“For you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance… that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:3-4).

One of my favorite places to visit is Presque Isle Park in Marquette, Michigan. I spent a good deal of time at the park during my undergraduate days at Northern Michigan University. Two weeks ago, Ruth and I had the opportunity to visit the park. As we walked on the rocks littering the shore of Lake Superior, my attention was drawn to the large and weather beaten trees along the shoreline. I can only imagine the decades of harsh weather they have endured, thereby making them strong and in a rugged way very beautiful.

As I thought about that, the question came to mind as to whether their strength, endurance and unique beauty would have been possible if they had not grown on the shores of Lake Superior, thereby exposing them to very harsh weather conditions. I wonder.  Can you see how that the same principle applies to you and me?

The Apostle James understood that endurance comes through testing. No doubt, he had lived through many tests of his faith. He came to recognize that testing constitutes the incubator for endurance. That is to say that life’s trials translate into strength, endurance and beauty such as I saw in the trees that caught my attention. How does this principle apply to the things you are facing right now?

Well as you know, I have been on sabbatical for the past month. I’ve been home barely 72 hours. In the space of those days, I’ve witnessed a family endure the grief of losing a son to death, as well as another family come to grips with the loss of an unborn child. I’ve prayed with several people who are facing significant health issues, counseled with those who are enduring considerable financial trials, as well as listened to several brothers and sisters share the suffering they are experiencing. These are no small things by any means. These constitute, in James’ words, “the testing of your faith.” Yet in each and every instance, I have sensed the faith of those undergoing such things. That is to say that their faith is resulting in the increase of their endurance. Who but God works in that manner?

Can I ask you to make this personal as you consider your situation? Friends, God promises his presence and strength during seasons of trial. And as you know, he always keeps his promises. I’ve witnessed it this past week.

My prayer for each of us is that the storms of life will serve to make us ruggedly enduring, as well as faithfully strong and beautiful as the testing of our faith produces in us that which only such testing can produce, God-exalting endurance. Next time you are in Marquette, Michigan take a walk along the shore of Lake Superior. Notice the trees; they have important lessons to teach us.