God allows us to gradually adapt to trials

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.” Romans 5:3 NLT

In an article subtitled, “Racing in hot weather can be daunting. Utilize these pro tips from Elise Cranny, Karissa Schweizer, and Emily Infeld to better prepare yourself for the next scorcher,” one of the best tips for dealing with the summer heat given by Infeld was “Gradually adapt to hotter temperatures.” Before the prelim, Infeld hadn’t run much in hot weather. She trains part-time in Flagstaff, Arizona, whose average summer high hover around 80 degrees, and has spent the last few months in Eugene, which hadn’t experienced 90-degree days yet. “We were trying as best we could to go at the hottest part of the day, which is around 4 to 6, to do workouts,” said Infeld. “Some days that was 80 degrees, some days that was 60. So, I was trying to do sauna, and do things that I could to prepare in case it was hot.” Infeld did a few other uncomfortable but intentional things to prepare herself for the unusually harsh conditions she knew she’d face and her preparations paid off with a season best time of 15:00.98 and a time qualifier for the 5,000-meter final.

And you know, when it comes to preparing for hotter temperatures or unusually hard or harsh conditions in our spiritual walk, aren’t you glad that the Lord prepares us gradually? What I mean by that is God doesn’t allow us to encounter big tests of our faith (aka trials) until our endurance is grown by overcoming the little trials that have worked to develop our ability to patiently bear and overcome those things we think will break us. But don’t get me wrong. These little trials won’t seem little at the time. Oh no! They will seem extremely hard. Maybe even harsh. But looking back on them you will see that they were steppingstones to the bigger trials the Lord used to make you more like Him and to bring Him glory. After all, that's what the Christian life is all about right? 

So if you're facing a situation that seems so ‘hot’ that you don't think you'll make it through, hold tight my friend. Rejoice in the "problems and trials" in your path knowing that you’re not alone. Look up, have faith, and walk through the fire with Jesus by your side, confident that He will never leave you nor forsake you. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the problems and trials that we will face in this life all serve a purpose. They give us the staying power needed to fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. Help us to truly understand that so we can rejoice in the midst of our pain and suffering. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!