A Spiritual Workout

The Roman philosopher Seneca once wrote, “Difficulties strengthen the mind as labor strengthens the body.” Though he was a Roman philosopher, far removed from the world of ancient Israel, his observation rings with a truth the Bible affirms again and again: God allows challenges, not to break us, but to form us, mature us, and draw us closer to his heart.

In scripture, trials are never meaningless. James 1: 2-4 teaches us to “consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” This passage echoes Seneca's insight, almost directly. Just as physical exercise tears down muscles so they can rebuild stronger, spiritual and emotional struggles stretch our faith so that it can grow firmer and more resilient. God does not delight in our hardships, but He faithfully uses them as tools to cultivate Christlike character within us.

We see this beautiful example in the life of Joseph. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and unjustly imprisoned, Joseph suffered years of painful difficulty. Yet every trial deepened his wisdom, refined his integrity, and strengthened his trust in God. By the time he rose to power in Egypt, he could look back and say with a peaceful heart, “God intended it for good.” His suffering became the fertile ground in which God planted strength, compassion, and discernment.

The apostle Paul also understood this truth intimately. In Romans 5:2-4, he writes that “Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice i  not only that but we rejoice in our suffering, knowing that suffering produces endurance , and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame because God‘s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” With glory in our suffering we can overcome it because suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope.” This model is there for every believer to follow. Hardship pushes us to rely on God in ways comfort never will. Difficulty becomes the playground of the soul, where faith is exercise, patience a stretch, and hope grows steady and strong.

Even Jesus, our perfect redeemer, faced trials. Hebrews 5:8 says that he learned obedience from what he suffered.“ If the son of God himself experienced strengthening through trials and hardship, then we can trust that our difficulties are held within the loving purposes of God.

As we have entered the season of Lent we are reminded of the profound personal sacrifices that Jesus made in those 40 days and nights in the desert. He suffered the effects of extreme fasting, physical exposures, isolation, and intense spiritual warfare. He voluntarily endured hunger and weakness, refusing to use his divine power to alleviate his suffering, thereby modeling reliance on God, the father.

So when challenges arise, instead of asking only “Why is this happening?” We can also ask, “What might God be working for me through this?” Every struggle becomes an invitation to grow more steadfast, compassionate, and dependent on him.

And through it all, we are never alone. God walks with us, strengthens us, and shapes us lovingly, until our lives reflect the quiet, steady endurance that Jesus modeled even on the cross at Calvary.
Amen

Let us Pray
Lord Jesus, as we move deeper into this Lenten season, help us to follow your examples of humility, cleanse our hearts of selfish desires, and strengthen our resolve to serve those around us. Teach us to take up or cross daily and walk in your light.
Amen.

Written by Gregory Harewood