From Vision to Reality

"Thank God for being able to see all that you have not yet been." (more). On the 'mountaintop' we can see for miles. It is here that God gives us vision for who we are meant to be. But it is in the valley that the vision is realized.
"Consider it joy when you face trials...". It is the testing of our faith which develops perseverance and maturity... making us 'complete' (James 1:2-4). We cannot find this on the mountain. And it is our choice... "whether we will let the vision be turned into actual character depends on us, not on God." He gives us a glimpse, and then provides the means by which we shall be changed.
Trials come to refine our faith. (1 Peter 1:5-7) If we forget this, if we do not rejoice in this, then we miss the point entirely. And we are sure to be miserable.