Ep. 115: Trials, Tables & The Game of Transformation: How God Uses Pressure to Reveal Purpose

In this powerful roundtable-style episode, the Founder Collective crew unpacks the profound spiritual purpose behind trials—and how we’re not just meant to endure them, but to grow through them. Through real-time revelations, Scripture, and a surprising analogy to video games, you’ll discover why the fire you’re walking through might be the very thing refining you for your next level of impact.

Whether you're in a season of pruning or preparing for promotion, this conversation is packed with deep wisdom, vulnerable moments, and encouragement for the journey.

• Why trials aren’t punishment—they’re God’s effort to transform us (James 1:2-4)
  

• The "game" of life is designed for victory—but only if you don’t quit
  

• Why rest is a weapon, not a retreat
  

• The danger of turning your personal disciplines into universal doctrines
  

• How to spiritually “level up” and discern your divine prescription—not someone else’s formula
  

• The difference between comparison and calling when it comes to spiritual gifts
  

• Non-believers can often see inconsistencies in Christians more clearly—why that matters
  

• Why every believer needs both access and accountability in community
  

00:00 – Welcome + lighthearted banter

05:00 – The paradox of resting while painting and stewarding your body

07:00 – The real purpose of FounderCon and creating “table moments”

10:30 – What makes church community powerful (and dangerous when absent)

17:00 – Trials as transformation: a paradigm shift from pain to purpose

22:00 – The gamer analogy: every trial has hidden power-ups 26:00 – Why God allows pressure—but always controls the thermostat

34:00 – Disciplines vs. doctrine: don’t turn your story into someone else’s strategy

43:00 – The problem with comparison in the Kingdom

52:00 – Trials as testimony: reflecting God through fire

59:00 – What access really means in spiritual accountability 01:08:00 – Christians judging Christians: when, how, and why Scripture allows it

01:14:00 – Closing reflections on refinement, obedience, and being set apart

“A trial is God making an effort to transform you. Why would you pray to be pulled out of His effort?” – Chris “Victory is our destiny. The only way to lose is if you quit.” “Your testimony is not someone else’s prescription.” “Don’t ask God to bless something that goes against His Word—and then call it grace.” “We’re not here to manifest our words—we’re here to manifest Christ through our lives.”

• James 1:2–4
  

• 2 Corinthians 4:7–10
  

• Hebrews 12:2
  

• Psalm 66:10
  

• 1 Peter 3:15
  

• 1 Corinthians 5:12
  

👉 Register for FounderCon 2025: https://thefoundercollective.org

STAY CONNECTED:

Want to be part of our conversation? The Founder Collective Table is a great opportunity for you to get plugged in and start seeing where God will lead you! Wednesdays at 12 Noon EST. We have room for you at the table! ⁠ 

https://thefoundercollective.org/foundertable

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