Trials

 

“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your FAITH IS GENUINE. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” (I Peter 1:6-7)

 Not every trial is from God, but IN ever trial, is a testing ground.  A test of our true character.   A test of our true foundation (Luke 6:48-49). How we walk through our trials reveals the genuineness of our faith.  God will use even the enemy's worst attacks to bring growth to our lives if we allow it.  What the enemy means for ultimate harm, God is at work behind the scenes creating an opportunity for us to be refined and come through shining.  It is not God's will that we allow Satan to steal even a second of breath that God purposed to be used for His glory.  So where there is opposition, He creates opportunity.  Opportunity to fully surrender to the change and work He wills to do in us.  Opportunity to touch the lives of others in our state of brokenness.  Opportunity to become more like Jesus.

In the test, we need to be found having steadfast faith..  Part of the definition of ‘steadfast’ means “loyal support that will ENDURE STRAIN.”  Strain, hmm… sounds like trials, doesn't it? 

James 1:2-3 tells us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

To be patient does not mean to be passive during the troublesome circumstances, but rather to have a STEADFASTNESS that bravely endures.  Choosing to doubt our doubts and firmly believe God is bringing the victory.  An “I’m not giving up” kind of attitude because greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world!  (1 John 4:4) 

Situations in life are hard.  It’s understandable why at certain points in all of our lives we feel like throwing our hands in the air and saying, “Enough! I can’t handle anymore!”  We’ve all been there.  Quite frankly, walking by faith and not by sight is easier said than done.  But if we can just see past the storms...  See past the clouds...  See through the eyes of faith that thing hoped for (Hebrews 11:1)...  The storm WILL pass.  There is a brighter day on its way!

Let's make the choice TODAY to start new with an attitude of steadfastness.  There is something worth fighting for.  There is SOMEONE worth enduring for.

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”  (James 1:12)

 May we one day be able to look back on our lives and quote the words of Job:

“But He knows where I am going.  And when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.  For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed His ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from His commands, but have treasured His words more than daily food.” (Job 23:10-12)