Mindset shift #1: Expect that trials are going to come
One of my team members told me recently that the first bible verse she ever memorized was “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV).
You know where she was when she memorized it? A doctor’s office. The verse was hanging on a plaque on the wall, and she was awaiting news that could have been really bad. As she sat in that patient room, nervously swinging her legs underneath the examination table, she got her phone out and read the context of the verse.
Jesus had just told his best friends that their grief would turn to joy – and that this reality would be a source of peace for them. And then he guaranteed that they would have trouble.
What?
When we understand that trials and troubles are part of life (yes, even the Christian life) they won’t throw us off our game. We’ll realize they are the game.