Some people come to faith through strong certainty, while others seem to grow through wrestling with questions, hardship, doubt, or life experience.
Do you think spiritual depth is formed more through clarity or through perseverance during difficult seasons?
Just because we are in the storm does not mean it is your storm. Read this passage with me
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Notice the two words “so that.” “So that” is used before the clause that indicates the purpose. Why am I going through this? “So that,” or because. Look what it says.
“so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
The storm may very well be for no other reason than God wants us to go through it, “so that” when we do come through it, we can strengthen and comfort, maybe even guide someone else through it.
Look at Peter. This man also walked on water with Jesus. This man became so righteous and holy that his shadow healed people. Look at this conversation between him and Jesus.
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat," Luke 22:31
Imagine this. The Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, the great I AM, looks you in the eye and says, “The devil wants you.” I can imagine Peter was thinking something like, “Well, I’m so glad you are with me. Let him come. I got you. I walked on the water with you. I know you said forget you, Satan.” But did He?
"But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” John 22:32
In essence, He said “Yes.” Satan asked Jesus to have Peter, and Jesus basically said yes. Much like when God said this to Satan about Job.
" And the Lord said to Satan, 'Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life.” Job 2:6
These are men loved dearly by God. However, it does not stop the storms from coming. But in these cases, and I submit to you many others, they were sent to the people God knew would stand the storm and endure, so that they would then go on to strengthen others.
Peter
Certainty based on truth can come from difficulties as well as contemplation.
Certainty based on error can also come from difficulties as well as contemplation.
Difficulties tend to force some reality into our experiences and thus contribute a little more towards truth.
We all learn and grow differently, there is no one way to become more faithful except by getting involved in church and opening ones mouth at work to talk about Jesus.