I have always found that when I want to learn something new, I not only need to read the “how to’s”, but I also need to put my learning into action before I reinforce my learning by putting it into action.
I was reminded of this when I read the following verses in James recently
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
James 1:2-3 (NIV)
Let me explain why I was reminded of these verses…
I’ve always found these verses from James difficult to fully understand and accept. I think it’s because it tells us we should be joyful when we face difficult times, because it’s only by facing difficulties that we learn and grow, however that doesn’t make it any easier at the time!
Just like when I’m learning new technical processes or new software where I learn better by putting my learning into practice, so it’s the same with the difficulties we face in life – it’s because we learn from those difficulties that we grow, both as a person, and in our faith when we remember that God has been by our side through it all.
The Distinct Dot 