James 1: 2-3 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”  Since leaders are made, not born, it is through trials, testing, experiences and perseverance that a leader becomes strong.  Jesus exemplified this to the fullest in His life.  It is a principle of life that we see in all walks such as sports, physical development, business, politics, church, family and personal spiritual leadership.  If an athlete is to become strong, he must endure and experience the trials of hard training, rigorous practice and study of the sport.  The actual game, experience and perseverance learned through playing and leading will develop strength as a leader who is trusted and followed. 

We all go through trials of many kinds.  It may be a bad relationship, financial collapse, an illness, death of a loved one, rebellious child or troubled marriage.  We don’t like to face trials and wish that we could be free from them with a life of peace and tranquility.  But, that is not how life goes or how a strong Christian leader is made.  “A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.”  It is not a matter of “if” we will face storms and trials, but a matter of “when.”  Our attitude toward them is the key and whom we trust and go to for help.  Will we have an attitude and approach of anger or despair or defeat?  Or, will we turn to God and seek Him to lead us and give us His Spirit of perseverance to go forward? We can use trials as “stumbling blocks” or “stepping stones.”  Do your trials turn you toward God or do they turn you away from God?  The decision is yours and mine to make and the lives of those whom you lead will forever be impacted.