Do life events shape our spiritual walk? I would say yes most definitely. Everyone's spiritual journey starts at a different point in their life. Some of our journeys begin as children, others when we mature in life. Whatever point that you are at in your spiritual walk, you can surely look to life events that shaped you.
Life events like the death of a loved one, or a separation of your parents could have had an enormous impact on how you matured spiritually. Some of you may have been drawn closer to the Lord during your time of need. Others may have run away from him during their struggles.
When we look at our life in rewind, where was our spiritual connection when we encountered extreme life events?
From my personal experience, most of my life events have built character in me. I have re-affirmed where I stand with God. Through my life events, I was forced into relying on God, when in the past I wouldn't. I became a stronger person and more in tuned with my spiritual walk when faced with life events.
When things happen in our life, we have two choices. To turn away from God or bring our struggles to him. There are varying degrees to both choices that we make. I now that every one of us has chosen both options at some point in our life. What I learned from my experiences is that turning to God will give you comfort. Turning away will illuminate the problems in your life and make you feel empty inside.
How does the Bible apply to our life events?
A couple of verses come to mind when I think of my spiritual walk. Galatians 5:16 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
Our spiritual walk does satisfy our fleshly desires, I have seen it first hand. Having faith through life events is not always easy. What we have to remember is that God works in his time. That is hard for us to accept. If you keep being faithful, your life will change for the better.
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”