Transform Trials Into Triumphs
How do you respond when you encounter setbacks? Do you let difficulties and disappointments get the best of you? Or do you take whatever adversity you’re facing and turn it into something powerful, something that can benefit your life — and maybe even the lives of others? The way we engage with life’s challenges has a profound impact on our faith and our future.
In the 1960s, Scott Paper dominated the paper industry, but when Procter & Gamble entered the field, the company suddenly found themselves in second place. The leaders of Scott Paper had a decision: Would they choose to persevere and work tirelessly to advance back onto the throne of the paper-based marketplace? Or would they accept their new, lower rank without a fight? After choosing the latter, any remaining morale within the company soon faded, leading to a discouraging atmosphere throughout the organization.
Another competitor, however, chose the opposite. Kimberly-Clark viewed this change in rank as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, believing that fierce competition would motivate employees to create new ideas, products, and strategies that would give them an edge over Procter & Gamble. They created an environment where their employees were free to explore audacious imaginings, picturing the day they became number one in the industry. In one of the most memorable meetings in the company’s history, the CEO of Kimberly-Clark stood up and announced a moment of silence. When the silence was over, he declared, “That was a moment of silence for P&G!” Can you imagine the electric energy that filled the room after an iconic line like that? That audacious confidence fueled Kimberly-Clark’s eventual rise to the top of the paper industry. This is called steadfast faith in the midst of a challenging reality.
Now, I know that stories of triumph over adversity can sometimes sound straightforward, even simple. But the truth is, developing a strong faith amid trials isn’t simple at all. Faith that can withstand hardship is not untested or naïve. Life is hard, and many of us carry disappointments that, at times, threaten to undermine our faith. Daily, I’m reminded of the challenges people face that try to crush their spirit and their dreams.
Scripture tells us that we “rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Rom. 5:3-4).
Somehow along the way, we must make the decision to morph the setbacks, disappointments, and loss we experience into an even greater hope. We must employ a mature faith, the kind of faith that comes after we’ve asked the hard questions. And we only reach that maturity after refining our faith through the complexities of life.
So do not let your setbacks destroy your audacity. You must leverage them toward future victories! Stand in the midst of your battles and, like the Kimberly-Clarke team, have a moment of silence for your enemies: for the fear that discourages you, for the doubt that keeps you stagnant, for anything that threatens to steal your joy. I pray you would have the confident faith of David, who wrote in the Psalms,
“Though an army besiege me,
My heart will not fear;
Though war break out against me,
Even then I will be confident …
Then my head will be exalted
Above the enemies who surround me;
At his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the Lord.” (Ps. 27:3, 6)
When I decided to enter ministry as a pastor some forty years ago, I was young and full of faith, much of it, I’m sure, naive. Since then, I’ve experienced countless wins and losses, joys and heartbreaks. I’ve made mistakes, suffered rejection, and spent many sleepless nights wondering if I’d ever reach the future I knew God had planned for me. But here I am, having lived through the many complexities of my life, by God’s grace, more excited and determined than ever! I love God more deeply, my family more passionately, and my opportunities to serve more fervently. And yes, I dream more audaciously than ever.