Micro-Study : Growing Through Trials Day 34
- Layne McDonald, Ph.D.
- Mar 22
- 5 min read
A Message from FA Memphis
Hey friend. I’m glad you’re here for Day 34.
If you’re reading this, maybe you’re in the middle of a storm. Maybe you’re working the late shift, or you’re at home caring for a loved one, or you’re just feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders.
We call these "trials."
But let’s be real: sometimes they just feel like "trouble."
When we talk about growing through trials, we aren't saying that the pain isn't real. We aren't saying you should just "smile through it."
What we are saying is that God never wastes a season of struggle.
In this Boundless Daily Micro-Study, we’re looking at how God takes the hard things and turns them into something beautiful. We believe in a God who is present, even when the clouds are thick.
The Purpose Behind the Pressure
Have you ever wondered why God allows us to go through difficult times?
It’s one of the biggest questions people ask Dr. Layne McDonald. In fact, if you’ve been following our 7 life questions everyone’s afraid to ask, you know that "Why me?" is right at the top of the list.
Here is the truth: God permits trials not as a punishment, but as a loving Father who knows what is necessary for your growth.
Think about it like this. You can’t get stronger muscles without resistance. You can’t get a diamond without pressure. And you can’t develop a deep, unshakable faith if you stay in your comfort zone forever.
The Refining Process
The Bible often compares our faith to gold.
When gold is mined, it’s full of impurities. To get the pure, shiny stuff, the goldsmith has to put it in the fire. The heat causes the impurities: the "dross": to rise to the top so they can be skimmed away.
Trials function as that refining process.
When we hit hardships, we are pushed to a place where we have to rely fully on God. It strips away our pride. It strips away our self-reliance. It forces us to ask: "God, if You don't move, I can't make it."
That is exactly where the growth happens.
As the heat of life rises, the Holy Spirit works within us to produce something incredible. We believe in Spirit-empowered living, and often, that power is most visible when we are at our weakest.
What is Being Produced?
In James 1:2-4, we are told to "consider it pure joy" when we face trials.
Now, that sounds a bit crazy at first, right? Who is happy about a trial? But the "joy" isn't about the trial itself; it’s about what the trial is doing.
The testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Perseverance leads to maturity. It makes you "complete, not lacking anything."
Here is the progression we see in Scripture:
Suffering: The initial trial.
Perseverance: The choice to keep standing with God.
Character: The result of staying faithful under pressure.
Hope: A deep-seated confidence that God is good, no matter what.
This isn't just a theory. We see this in the real stories of life change from members of our community who have walked through the fire and come out with a testimony.
Faith at 3:00 AM
For many of you in our Boundless community, your trials don’t happen in a church building on Sunday morning.
They happen at 3:00 AM in a hospital room. They happen in a breakroom during a double shift. They happen in the quiet moments when you’re worried about how to pay the bills.
If you’re a night-shift worker or a caregiver, you know that "night shift" feeling. It can be lonely. But remember, God never sleeps. He is the God of the night shift. You can read more about why God never sleeps on the night shift and find comfort knowing He is right there with you in the dark.
Staying Safe and Connected
In today’s world, we also face "digital trials."
Whether it’s the stress of social media or the fear of what our kids are seeing online, the digital world can be a source of anxiety. At Boundless Online Church, we want to help you use technology as a tool for growth, not a source of fear.
Using safe tech for the gospel is one way to keep your family grounded while you navigate these modern trials. Don't let the noise of the internet drown out the voice of the Spirit.
You Don’t Have to Walk Alone
Growth doesn’t happen in isolation.
One of the ways we endure trials is through the support of the "Body of Christ": that’s all of us. When you are struggling, you need people who will pray with you and remind you of the truth.
If you’re looking for a place to dive deeper, we have several groups where you can find community:
Whether you are in a persecuted area or just feeling spiritually isolated, these digital communities are designed to be a lifeline. Reaching the ends of the earth from your phone is part of the Digital Great Commission.
A Firm Foundation
As an Assemblies of God ministry, we stand on the 16 Fundamental Truths. One of those truths is the "Blessed Hope": the resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord.
When we face trials, we look forward to that hope. This world is not our final home. The pain we feel now is temporary, but the glory that is being produced in us is eternal.
Are you seeing the "initial evidence" of the Spirit in your life? Not just through spiritual gifts, like speaking in tongues, but through the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, and patience even when life is hard?
The Spirit is your Comforter. He is your Helper. He is the one who gives you the strength to get back up one more time.
Practical Steps for Today
If you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, here are three simple things you can do:
Refocus on the Word: Open your Bible to James 1 or Romans 5. Let the truth of God's Word be louder than the voice of your problem.
Reach Out: Don't carry the burden by yourself. Text a friend, join one of our online groups, or reach out to our prayer line.
Rest in His Presence: Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is just sit quietly and tell God, "I trust You."
You are growing. It might not feel like it, and it might be painful, but God is doing a work in you that will last forever.
A Prayer for You
Lord, I pray for my friend reading this right now. You know the exact trial they are facing. You know the weight they are carrying. I ask that You would fill them with Your Holy Spirit. Give them a peace that surpasses understanding. Help them to see the growth that is happening beneath the surface. Refine them, strengthen them, and give them the endurance to keep going. We trust in Your goodness and Your plan. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Next Steps
Do you have questions about how to handle a specific trial? Are you wondering where God is in the middle of your mess? We would love to hear from you.
Join the conversation in our Bible Study Club or check out our Media Page for more encouraging messages.
Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (message & data rates may apply). Not for emergencies.
Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.
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