💜 A Positive Approach💜
Life is a journey filled with unexpected turns, challenges, and wounds that test our resolve. Whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual, these trials are not arbitrary but divinely allowed opportunities for growth. They are meant to shape us, drawing us closer to God, and help us discover the godly attributes within our soul. However, the key to unlocking the treasures hidden behind these challenges lies in cultivating a positive and willing attitude—a mind that is open to learning and discovering what each trial is meant to reveal.
One of the most powerful truths in both the Torah and the New Testament is that challenges are an integral part of our existence on earth. In the Torah, the story of Abraham's test in Genesis 22 stands as a testament to this. God asked Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, a request that seemed impossible to comprehend. Yet, Abraham approached the situation with a heart full of faith and a willingness to obey, trusting that God had a greater purpose behind the trial. His willingness opened the door to the treasure behind the test—God’s confirmation of the promises He had given to Abraham, and the revelation that through Isaac, Abraham’s descendants would be as numerous as the stars.
In the New Testament, we see Jesus as the ultimate example of someone who faced immense trials with an open and positive mindset. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). Although He knew the pain and suffering that awaited Him, His willingness to endure opened the door to salvation for all humanity. His trial, the ultimate life wound, became the instrument through which eternal success was achieved for all who believe.
The trials we face often contain hidden treasures—secrets of self-discovery, spiritual growth, and divine revelation. Yet, these treasures are only accessible when we approach our challenges with an open mind and a heart willing to learn. When we resist or complain about our circumstances, we close ourselves off to the lessons and growth that God is trying to bring into our lives.
In the Torah, the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness illustrates this principle. After leaving Egypt, they faced numerous challenges—hunger, thirst, and uncertainty. Instead of seeing these trials as opportunities to trust God and grow, they often grumbled and resisted. Yet, God was using these moments to teach them reliance on Him and to mold them into a nation capable of entering the Promised Land. Had they approached these challenges with a positive attitude, they would have seen that each trial was a stepping stone to deeper intimacy with God and greater spiritual maturity.
Our reason for being here on earth is not to live a life free of struggle, but rather to encounter and resolve these challenges in a way that leads to eternal success. As the apostle Paul writes in the New Testament, "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4). Every trial we face is a tool in the hands of God, refining our character, shaping our hearts, and preparing us for eternity.
The Torah also echoes this truth in Deuteronomy 8:2, where Moses reminds the Israelites that God led them through the wilderness to test them, to know what was in their hearts, and to teach them that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. The trials were not just about physical survival, but about cultivating a deep, unshakable trust in God.
God uses challenges to reveal the godly attributes that are already present in our soul. These attributes—patience, kindness, faith, resilience—often lie dormant until they are called forth by adversity. When we embrace our trials with a positive attitude, we allow these attributes to rise to the surface and transform us.
Consider Joseph’s story in Genesis. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and unjustly imprisoned, Joseph could have allowed bitterness and resentment to rule his heart. Instead, he chose to trust God and maintain a positive attitude, even in the darkest of circumstances. As a result, he not only rose to a position of power but also displayed godly attributes of forgiveness, wisdom, and leadership. His trials were the very tools God used to shape him into the man he needed to be for the saving of many lives (Genesis 50:20).
In the New Testament, the apostle James encourages believers to "consider it pure joy" when facing trials because they test our faith and develop perseverance, leading to spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4). These challenges are not meant to break us but to refine us, making us more like the God we serve.
In life, challenges are inevitable. Yet, when we approach them with a positive, willing, and open mind, we begin to see them as divine opportunities for growth and discovery. The treasures and secrets that lie behind each trial are not just meant for this life, but for our eternal success. They draw us closer to God, refine our character, and reveal the godly attributes within us.
So, when faced with your next challenge—whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual—remember that it has been allowed by God for a purpose. Approach it with a heart willing to learn, and you will find that what initially seemed like a burden is actually a blessing in disguise. It is in the process of overcoming these trials that we fulfill part of our divine purpose here on earth and prepare ourselves for the eternal rewards that await.
If you would like to discover how to implement a positive approach to your challenges, please contact me at:
sojourningwithapurpose@gmail.com
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