But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:10

This week, Pastor John and Matt Patti will be presenting an integrated teaching and worship set continuing our exploration of “Back to Square One.” I have been amazed at what God has been doing in our church family these past few weeks and the many people who have shared with me their “Back to Square One Moments.”

In the course of my conversations with others, an underlying theme has emerged. Perhaps you’ve picked up on it too from the testimonies that have been shared in our worship services. It goes something like this… “At first I was confused or even bitter at finding myself back at square one, but God was faithful and now that I’m on the other side I recognize that God used this trial in my life to strengthen and transform me. I’m not the same person I was before… I’m stronger, more useful for God’s purposes.”   Times of struggle have a way of shaping us in ways that prosperity and comfort cannot. And although I still don’t particularly like this scripture, I cannot deny its truth:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 

 Years ago when I was bi-vocational, I shattered my wrist in a freak accident at my other job. Sixteen weeks later (after having the wrist set, then surgery to re-break it and insert metal pins) when the cast was finally removed, my right hand was stiff like a club- almost useless. After so many weeks of immobility, all of the tendons in my hand and wrist had shrunk and stiffened. In order to regain the use of my hand, I entered into several months of very aggressive physical therapy. Two to three times a week my wrist and fingers had to be manually stretched. It was flat out the most excruciating thing I’ve ever experienced. (Yes, I know, I’ve never had a baby!) The doctor told me that there are more nerve endings in the wrist and fingers than any other place in the body. Every day, I would have to talk myself into voluntarily submitting to the pain. I would say to myself, “You want to play basketball again. You want to be able to play with your kids, do home projects, tie knots! You want to be restored!” And over many months, both my strength and range of motion returned.

This too, is a purpose in trials. When we find ourselves back at square one, it is God’s desire that our capacity would be enlarged, our dependence on Christ deepened and our usefulness for His purposes expanded. If we lose sight of this, it is easy to become discouraged. “When He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”