Trials, triumphs, and tests of faith
As we continue our exploration of Scripture through the French language and culture, I invite you today into one of the more difficult and complex words – Epreuve, in the context of faith. Together, we are beckoned by this word to embrace trials and tests as opportunities for growth and refinement in our spiritual journey.
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Trials and tests are integral to our faith journey. By embracing trials as transformative experiences, we embark on a path of authenticity and refinement in Christ. As we navigate trials, we are empowered to embrace the refining process, cultivate unwavering faith, and bear witness to the profound work of God within us. Through this journey of embracing trials and tests, we emerge as resilient and authentic bearers of the genuine faith that withstands the tests of time. Trials and tests are catalysts for growth, ultimately leading us to a place of profound transformation and unwavering authenticity in our faith journey.
Trials are revealing and refining moments. So, drawing from 2Corinthians 8:8, let’s articulate how trials serve as essential tools that test the sincerity of love and faith. Much like a teacher using tests to gauge the understanding of students, trials reveal what lies within us. Whether they manifest as external adversities or internal suffering, trials become the crucible through which our faith and character are tested and refined.
This French word invites us to reframe our perspective on trials. Rather than viewing them as insurmountable obstacles, trials are an invitation to deepen our self-awareness and recognize the transformative work of God within us. The analogy of car crash tests is particularly compelling, as it illustrates how trials reveal what is dormant or concealed beneath the surface. Through this lens, trials become catalysts for personal growth, leading us to surrender to God and witness His refining work in our lives.
Joseph, Paul, and, most of all, our beloved King Jesus Christ Himself, faced formidable trials yet ultimately trusted God for positive outcomes. Their testimonies serve as powerful examples of navigating trials with unwavering faith. By examining their journeys, we glean valuable insights into persevering through trials and embracing the refining process with steadfast hope and authenticity.
Tests and trials prove the genuineness of our faith. By studying different translations, I invite you to discover fresh ways in which trials deepen our faith and spiritual authenticity. So, together, let us reconsider our perception of tests. Rather than solely being mechanisms for evaluation, tests are opportunities for proofing and proving. The juxtaposition of testing and proving in the context of faith amplifies the truth that in Christ, approval precedes testing and proving. Thus, our faith becomes a testament to the unyielding grace of God, empowering us to navigate trials with a sense of purpose and steadfastness.
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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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