Are you in a difficult season of life?

This post is for people, like me, who have been through difficult times in their lives. Translation: this post is for everyone. Going through times of trial is part of being human. In fact, we are either just coming out of a trial, currently in a trial, or about to go into a time of trial. That sounds depressing huh? The truth is that difficult times of trial do not have to be viewed as a negative thing. Although each person on earth has unique trials in their lives, I see three common points that are involved in trials for all of us.1. We all have them.The bible says to build each other up in faith. Build each other up as trials present themselves. We all have trials, but each trial is unique. Just because we may not struggle with the same thing as another does not mean that we should be insensitive and unwilling to build up someone going through a difficult season in their lives.2. The deepest parts of ourselves are exposed.The person that you truly are is who you are when you are in a rough time or under extreme pressure. We really learn who we are and what we can handle during times of trial. Although we look at this as a negative thing; knowing who we are deep down inside and what we are able to handle should be a positive thing.3. We find ourselves.A trialing time is going to magnify who you truly are on the inside. Sometimes we find ourselves during the trials; sometimes it isn't until after it has past. Ask yourself this question: Who am I during times trial in my life? Finding yourself can be a beautiful thing if you use it to grow and develop into who you want to become in the future.Trials are not supposed to be looked at negatively. However, we enjoy comfort so we look at a time of trial as being a bad thing. In reality, in order for us to become who we are supposed to be, we must go through some trialing times. The bible says in James 1:12, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."Definition of Trial: a tryout or experiment to test quality, value, or usefulness.What if we viewed the difficulties in our lives more as quality tests instead of seeing them as horrible times? James 1:2-3 says to consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds, because the testing of our faith produces perseverance.I grew up playing city league baseball. I can remember going to these huge recruiting days as a kid. You would get out there, they would put you in some simple scenarios, some difficult ones, and in some that seemed impossible. I always wondered why the coaches would do that. I realize now that it wasn't to see if I could do something impossible, it was to see how I reacted, adapt and grow in the trial when success seemed impossible.If you are in a time of trial, I encourage you to change your mindset. Think of this season as more of a test to work on your most inward character and to find yourself on a greater level in the process. Above all else, stay encouraged! God has not left you; He is simply growing you for who He needs you to become. Finish this difficult season strong!