When was the last time you celebrated a test? I’m not talking about after you’ve passed it. I mean when was the last time you celebrated — in the midst of — being tested? That’s unusual, right? Most of us don’t get excited when difficulties show up, do we?

Yet, James writes something that should fundamentally transform our perspective:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” — James 1:2

Not just joy – pure joy. The kind that bubbles up from a place of absolute certainty that something good is happening.

We’ve all experienced those moments when everything that could go wrong seems to go wrong, at once. Our natural first reaction isn’t joy. The natural reaction is frustration. “I’ve got to deal with this now? Today? Really?”

There it is! That phrase that reveals so much about our spiritual mindset: “got to.“

“I’ve got to handle this problem.” “I’ve got to make these calls.” “I’ve got to figure this out.”

Each “got to” frames our challenges as burdens rather than opportunities. But what if we made one simple linguistic shift that could transform our entire approach to trials?

What if instead, we said “get to”?

“I get to solve this complex problem.” “I get to demonstrate leadership during adversity.” “I get to see God work when I’m at my limit.”

This isn’t just positive thinking – it’s Biblical thinking. James isn’t telling us to pretend trials are fun. He’s revealing a profound truth about spiritual growth:

“The testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” — James 1:3-4

Every test is actually a divine upgrade opportunity. God isn’t testing you to see if you’ll fail. He’s testing you to develop muscles you’ll need for what’s next.

That perspective changes everything. Suddenly, we’re not victims of bad circumstances – we’re students in a masterclass, being prepared for something greater.

Think about the tests you’re facing right now. The difficult conversation with your teenager. The business decision with no clear answer. The health challenge that’s disrupting your plans. What if these aren’t interruptions to your Calling but preparation for it?

In Session 8 of TMP, we leverage the tools of shaping your leadership and growing out your influence. Leadership muscles develop under resistance. Faith grows when tested. Character forms under pressure. Influence comes from demonstrated success. These aren’t pleasant experiences in the moment, but they’re essential for our development.

Here’s where it gets practical. Understand this!

Our language shapes our mindset. When we consistently say, “I’ve got to deal with this problem,” we’re framing it as a burden. But, “I get to grow through this challenge,” positions us to receive the upgrade God is offering.

Start catching yourself. Listen to your own words. How often does “I got to” show up in your vocabulary? How might reframing your response to, “I get to” change your approach to challenges?

Try this simple practice. When facing a new challenge, immediately ask: “God, how are you trying to upgrade me through this?” Then write it down. Seeing those potential upgrades listed out will transform your perspective from seeing a burden to an opportunity.

Each test we pass becomes a trophy on our mental shelf. These trophies build our faith for the next challenge. That difficult team member who taught you patience? That’s a trophy. That financial setback that developed your trust? Another trophy. That health scare that deepened your prayer life? Trophy.

These trophies become testimonies and evidence that God is faithful and that you’re growing. Additionally, here’s the beauty of it: the next time a similar test comes around, you’ll approach it differently, realizing, “I’ve been here before. I know God will come through. I know I’ll grow through this.”

So, here’s my challenge to you today: Take a moment to journal a prayer asking God, “Where are you trying to upgrade me right now?” Then identify one challenge you’re currently facing and consciously reframe your response from a “got to” to a “get to.”

The tests won’t stop coming. Yet, a true perception of them has the potential to fundamentally change you and produce growth through each one. Remember, it’s not just that you “get to” take the test. You “get to” graduate to what’s next.

Let’s embrace our tests with joy, knowing they’re producing in us something precious — a mature faith that’s ready for whatever God has next.

In your corner,
Jeff

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