How well do you truly know yourself?

How well do you truly know yourself? Not the polished version you present to the world. But the deeper parts hidden away from view—those aspects that might stir up feelings of shame if exposed. Many of us take pride in our self-awareness, yet how do we utilize the profound insights we’ve gained about our inner selves? James 1:2-4 challenges us to “consider it an opportunity for great joy” when faced with trials and tribulations. This isn’t a mere platitude. But it’s an invitation to recognize that in our struggles lies the potential for growth, maturity, and the unfolding of our true humanity.

If we’re being honest, however, many of us find that we dread these challenges. Difficulty, pain, and struggle can reveal parts of us we would prefer to keep hidden. Imagine David, forced to hide in a cave from Saul—someone he once comforted in times of distress (1 Samuel 24:3-6). Consider Hannah, praying in a state of utter despair while longing for a child, to the point where she appeared to be intoxicated (1 Samuel 1:9-14). Reflect on Elijah, who, despite being on a mission for God, fell into despair, feeling hopeless and suicidal (1 Kings 19:4).

How well do you truly know yourself? Be honest.

While these examples may seem extreme, we can all relate to our own experiences of hardship and trial. In those moments, our instinct might be to question our spiritual worth, doubt God’s presence, or succumb to apathy. Our difficulties reveal the truest and most vulnerable parts of who we are. But that isn’t something to be ashamed of. Our natural nature resists adversity and craves comfort. Yet, these scriptures compel us to look beyond mere survival and comfort, and embrace trials as a divine opportunity for refining our character. These challenges reveal how we respond to adversity and open a pathway for us to grow and lean more authentically into our relationship with the Lord.

God as a master sculptor

The hardships we encounter serve as God’s hammer and chisel, sculpting us into the individuals we are meant to be. Remember, growth in our spiritual journey is not a solo endeavor. God has intricately designed a timeline for our development, knowing precisely what we need to mature into the magnificent creations He intended us to be. As you navigate the challenges of today, take comfort in the understanding that your struggles are not in vain. You need not put on a forced smile or cling to hollow reassurances as a means to cope. Instead, recognize that your trials are rich with divine purpose, even if it isn’t immediately clear to you. Embrace the truth that God desires to partner with you, leading you to become the man or woman of God you were destined to be.

Today’s devotion inspired by // James 1:2-4 NLT

Reflect & Journal // What parts of myself tend to surface during hard seasons? What emotions, thoughts, or reactions do I usually keep hidden? How might God be inviting me to grow through these revelations?