How do you build up your muscle? By working it, by testing it, by stretching it! Jesus said, “Here on earth you will have many trials.” Why? To prepare us, to strengthen us. Some of our most life-enriching experiences come during our worst moments—when our hearts were broken, when we felt abandoned, when we were out of options, when our pain level was through the roof. That is when we turned to God. That is when we learned to pray heartfelt, honest-to-God prayers. When we are in pain, we don’t have the energy to fake it! The Lord is close to the brokenhearted!

I think you ought to know, dear brothers, about the hard time we went through in Asia. We were really crushed and over-whelmed, and feared we would never live through it. We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God, who alone could save us, for he can even raise the dead.
2 Corinthians 1:8–9

The Lord does prepare us. He will never send our way more than we can handle—it just seems like that at times. He has prepared, He has trained, and He has equipped each and every one of us for this time, for this moment, for this situation! Be strong and confident—your God will save you, for He can even raise the dead!

So today, we thank You, Lord, for preparing us for today’s trials by helping us through yesterday’s struggles. Just like fire purifies gold, we have been placed in the fire to be purified. We are totally in Your expert hands, Father, and we know we will come out radiant. Help us recognize that our spiritual muscles are growing, and let us learn to flex those muscles for Your Glory!

Have a Confident Day.