There are two fundamentally different ways to view trials in your life. You can either view them from the perspective of your fallen nature, or you can view them from the perspective of a transformed life (with a renewed mind), as advocated in
Romans 12:2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.   (ESV)
. We call this transformed perspective the “Kingdom” mind (as Jesus used the term in the Sermon on the Mount).
Coach: Ask your student to read out-loud the text in the paragraph on the left here and then ask them to talk about whether or not it makes sense to them. Also, the underlined Bible verse will pop up if you mouse over it.

(NOTE TO COACH: Remember, be careful NOT to correct or even comment on your student's answers, except to say "What else?" if their answer is too brief.)

Your Fallen nature — assumes suffering occurs when circumstances in this physical world do not meet expectations or are otherwise very uncomfortable for us. Christians with this perspective experience negative emotions attached to difficult situations. Christians who view unfavorable circumstances believe they must persevere (suppress the negative emotions). They are taught to primarily see suffering as meaningful because it creates the virtue of patience, and focuses on a future hope for a better life yet to come.

This limited perspective will develop into a greater and greater challenge to your faith (your trust in God) because, if this disparity continues, your faith will become increasingly irrelevant in your everyday life choices—thereby resulting in your faith being, at best, compartmentalized and not relevant in most of your life.

Coach: Ask your student to read out-loud the text on the left here and then ask them to tell you which parts of this makes sense and why, and if any parts do not seem right, and why.

(NOTE TO COACH: Remember, be careful NOT to correct or even comment on your student's answers, except to say "What else?" if their answer is too brief.)


Please discuss with your coach about some times when the above description might characterize your life, then click here to proceed.