"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptation; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

James 1: 2-4

Although none of us want to go through times of suffering, trials refine our faith and strengthen our testimony for Christ. A strong testimony that honors the Lord is built as you faithfully live out God's truth through the trials of life.

Perhaps one of the best examples from the Bible of that principle is the life of Paul. Over and over he persevered through persecution.

As Paul arrived in the city of Antioch during his first missionary journey, he was greeted with hostility. "But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts" (Acts 13:50). Although Paul was expelled from Antioch, he continued on his journey to Iconium.

As he entered Iconium, he once again faced persecution. "But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren" (Acts 14:2). The people of this city attempted to kill Paul, yet he persevered on his journey to Lystra.

Once again, Paul met another trial. The people of Lystra stoned Paul and left him for dead. But Paul rose up and kept going in spite of the persecution.

As Christians, we all will face persecution at some point. But we must not allow bitterness or anger to destroy our testimony for God. Rather, we can strengthen our testimony by trusting and praising God in spite of our trials.

Your testimony will shine brighter than ever during the dark times in your life. Never give up during hard times so that you, like Paul, can say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (II Timothy 4:7).