Genuineness of Your Faith

Several months ago the phrase “Genuineness of your faith” ran through my mind in the middle of the night.  So first thing when I woke up, I dove into the Scriptures. 

“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 whether our faith is genuine or not. 

Wow, appears to have the same ongoing theme as my teaching a few days ago on being steadfast.  Part of the definition of ‘steadfast’ means “loyal support that will ENDURE STRAIN.”  Strain, hmmm… sounds like trials to me. 

James1:2-3 tells us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

The word ‘patience’ does not mean to be passive during the troublesome circumstances, but rather to have STEADFASTNESS that bravely endures.  An “I’m not giving up” kind of attitude.

Situations in life are hard.  It’s very understandable why at certain points in everyone’s lives we feel like throwing our hands in the air and saying, “Enough! I can’t handle anymore!”  We’ve all been there.  But if you can see past the storms...  See past the clouds...  There is a brighter day on the other side!  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