Today we continue diving deep into our trials and testings, and how God invites us to change our perspective, so that we will more readily experience His, rather than our own!

Epreuve – a French word that encompasses the essence of proving, testing, and trials. In the context of spiritual growth and Christian faith, Epreuve delves into the very core of our relationship with God. This word carries multifaceted meanings that unfold to reveal the path of testing, emotions, and ultimately, the shaping of our identity in Christ.

In our last episode, which was the first of our two in our study of this French word, we saw that Epreuve bears the duality of meaning: proof and test, trial and opportunity. Epreuve serves as an invitation to unveil our inner authenticity. Trials become the mirror that reflects our true character, our faith, and our response to circumstances.

Peter, acquainted with countless tests and trials, highlights the significance of these experiences. The tested genuineness of our faith, more precious than gold, illuminates the enduring nature of trials. Herein lies the parallel between the refining of gold through fire and the refinement of our faith through trials. In essence, Epreuve emerges as a conduit for unveiling the authenticity and purity of our faith, anchoring it as a central tenet in our journey of spiritual growth.

Going deeper, Epreuve enters the realm of emotions. From resolute emotions of hate and fear to the profound joy that is intrinsic to our spiritual journey, Epreuve encompasses powerful emotional sentiments that shape our core. In essence, emotions become the internal trials that reflect and shape our identity in profound ways.

Epreuve extends beyond momentary trials to encompass a season of probation. This resonates with the very essence of spiritual growth. We are invited to walk through these periods not to prove our worthiness, but to experience the grace and freedom inherent in our relationship with God. Understanding that our future in Christ is unwavering, we embrace the freedom to navigate the journey of growth, understanding that it is through these seasons of probation that we continually evolve into the fullness of Christ.

The culmination of Epreuve leads us to our guaranteed heavenly future of sin-proofness, through the spiritual journey of the follower of Jesus toward becoming a reflection of Christ's glory. Through the lens of Epreuve, we comprehend that while we may face tests and trials in this earthly sojourn, they serve as the crucible that tempers us into growing sin-proofness. Furthermore, our emotions, when experienced through the prism of faith, become gradually more and more similar to the fruit of the Spirit, leading us to increasingly reflect His glory as if in a mirror.

That French word Epreuve weaves a narrative that surpasses mere linguistic boundaries. It exemplifies the intricate and transformative journey of spiritual growth, the testing of faith, and the unveiling of our true identity in Christ. As we embrace the epreuves of life, we encounter the testing and refining of our faith, the depth of our emotions, and the season of probation, all converging to carve us into increasingly sin-proof reflections of Christ's glory. Let us embrace this journey with eyes fixed on Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith, who will prove the irrevocable grace we have received as approved children of God.

We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with.

Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog

Identity in the battle | Ephesians

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/

Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/

Shades of Red | Against human oppression

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/

God's glory, our delight 

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/

 

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Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog

You are invited to join us on the Gospel Spice Prayer Bible Study, titled "The heart behind prayer" starting September 20, 2025! Details and registration here: https://www.gospelspice.com/prayer 

There are a few things in our Christian life that we know we should do more, or at least better – and prayer just might top the list. Prayer is a mystery. Why would a conversation with a human have any influence on God’s eternal, sovereign plan? It defies logic, and beckons love. How can God, the Almighty Lord of Hosts, be this close, this personal? It defies understanding, and beckons involvement.

But, lack of time, inspiration, and discipline, combined with the ruthless tyranny of our busy lives, push prayer to the periphery, to the “one day I’ll get to it” pile. And yet, we can excel at what we endeavor to undertake. So, why isn’t prayer more of a spiritual priority? Could we develop a mindset around prayer that made it attractive, inspiring, even maybe delightful? What if we attuned our spiritual ears to listen to God, and our spiritual eyes to see His provision?

As an unassuming student, I’m going to humbly offer to share the little I have learned from others about the joy of prayer. I will give us theology, practical tips, and useful resources, sharing what works for me as we, together, learn to pray.

If you find prayer intimidating, or if your lack of prayer makes you feel guilty or “less than,” then this is the place for you! If you have been a student of prayer for many years, this is the place for you too! If you have breath in your lungs, then prayer can become one of the deepest joys of your day. Don’t miss out!

A PERSPECTIVE ABOUT PRAYER

To pray is to believe that God not only hears, but that He responds. It is to stand in the gap for a broken world, wielding the authority of Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and trusting in the goodness of the Father. The question is not whether prayer works, but whether we are willing to pray the kinds of prayers that invite God’s Kingdom into the darkest places of the earth—and of our own hearts.

We may never fully understand the mechanics of prayer, or how it intersects with God's sovereignty, but we are not called to understand everything. We are called to be faithful. And faithfulness means showing up—in prayer, in persistence, in expectation.

So today, let us pray not only for the comfort of our hearts, but for the transformation of the world. Let us take our place as image-bearers, co-laborers, and co-heirs. Let us believe that God is still listening—and still acting. Because He is.

There’s only one way to find out what might happen when we truly pray like this.

Let’s begin.

THE MINDSET BEHIND THIS COURSE

Before we begin, let me tell you the obvious: I don’t really know how to pray. I’m a humble student and absolute beginner at the holy endeavor that is prayer. So, this course isn’t really about what I’ve learned, or any wisdom I might have gathered. But, I’ve sat at the feet of many prayer warriors over the decades, through books and teachings.

So, I’ll share what I learned from them. Humility is going to be our primary heart posture! With each lesson, I will offer a few thoughts, practices, and ideas – with much humility, and not taking myself too seriously. I will also share her favorite books and resources about prayer. FInally, I will introduce you to some of the most influential prayer warriors of our history as the Body of Christ.

Most importantly, I will invite YOU to pray! Learning to pray comes from praying. Our humble ambition is to inspire you to pray, and to give you a few tips on how to do that. Then, it’s up to you! Prayer is a lifelong endeavor. Let’s make it delightful together!

So, let’s get started.

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