Embracing Seasons of Stretching: How Trials Shape Our Faith
By Pastor Todd Coconato
In the journey of faith, there are seasons that stretch us—moments that test our resolve and challenge our comfort. It is in these seasons that our faith is not only tested but also strengthened. As believers in Jesus Christ, we understand that these times of stretching are not without purpose. They are divine tools used by God to mature us, preparing us for the plans He has in store.
The Purpose Behind the Pain
James 1:2-4 tells us to “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” The scripture doesn’t diminish the pain or difficulty of these trials. Instead, it provides a perspective shift—viewing these challenges as catalysts for spiritual endurance and growth.
Trials come in various forms: financial hardship, personal loss, or even seasons of doubt. While they are uncomfortable and often painful, these experiences push us beyond our known limits and force us to rely not on our strength but on God’s. In these moments, we learn to walk not by sight but by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Growth Through Dependence
When we are stretched, we find our self-sufficiency is insufficient. It is here, at the end of our resources, that our dependency on God grows. Each trial provides an opportunity to deepen our trust in Him, learning that He is faithful to His promises and provisions. This deeper dependence is key to spiritual maturity, as it shifts our reliance from our understanding to His overarching plans.
Preparing for What Lies Ahead
God often uses seasons of stretching to prepare us for future responsibilities or to equip us for greater works. Joseph’s journey in the Bible is a prime example. His trials—from being sold into slavery to being unjustly imprisoned—were not pointless. They were preparing him for a critical role in Egypt, saving many lives during a famine (Genesis 50:20).
Like Joseph, we may not understand the purpose of our struggles while we are in them. However, hindsight often reveals how these trials were equipping us for challenges and opportunities ahead.
Keeping the Faith
Keeping faith during these times is crucial. While it’s tempting to give in to discouragement, Scripture encourages us to “not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Our perseverance during trials not only strengthens our character but also serves as a testimony to others of God’s sustaining power.
Pressing Ahead
Pressing ahead requires a conscious choice to trust God even when the path is obscured. It involves daily renewing our minds with the truth of God’s Word and reminding ourselves of His faithfulness in past difficulties. It’s about moving forward, step by step, in faith—even when we can’t see the entire staircase.
