Growing up, Saturdays were for cleaning house. Each of us had our tasks to do before we could go out and play. Those tasks must be done correctly or we’d have to go back and do them again. I can remember my mother telling me I didn’t dust the furniture in my parent’s bedroom properly and I had to go back and do the job over. I hated going back and doing the job twice. I learned it was much easier to do it right the first time. Even so, every Saturday, the house needed cleaning again.

That’s kind of like our Christian life. Often, we think life should be perfect after accepting Jesus. That we won’t have any troubles. Life will be like a beach. Perfect. But it isn’t. Why do I say that?

All we have to do is look back. In the New Testament, Paul is a good example. When he finally stopped persecuting believers in Jesus, and put his faith in the Messiah, were his troubles over? Not really. He was beaten. He was shipwrecked–in the sea, clinging to pieces of the boat he was in. He was kicked out of town. He was stoned, and left for dead. He was imprisoned and finally, was beheaded.

So when I experience everyday trials–kind of like when I was told to “go back and dust the furniture again” in my childhood, I can remind myself I’m learning how to “do” life better. It is through difficulties that our faith is strengthened.

Your difficulties might be different than mine. But through these difficulties our faith and growth are perfected. I am humbled by this passage:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us (Hebrews 12:1 NLT).

“Lord, help me as I walk through this life. Help me remember as I experience trouble or a trial, that it is to help me trust in You and my faith will grow stronger. I know you love me, for you died for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

The past few days, an old hymn has been running through my head: “Be Thou My Vision.” It originates from St. Patrick and is said to be one of the oldest hymns we sing. Enjoy the song below:

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