Articles
What Comes From The Testing Of Our Faith?
Wouldn’t it be neat, if we could plan our trials? Maybe, like an Amazon® order, we could pick the kind of trial, pick the intensity, pick the impact, and pick who else gets affected. Maybe, we could even order up an extended service plan so somebody can fix our situation, or get a return guarantee if we don’t like it?
BUT, trials don’t come that way. Trials come in every shape, form and size, from every direction, and seldom are they predictable. Trials come usually when we are least prepared for them.
At the very least, we can know that God says trials will come. Not a question of “if”, but “when”. We know they will indeed test our faith. He tells us to persevere and be patient so that when the time of trial is over, we will be more mature, more complete, more capable of dealing with future trials. Our faith will have grown and we will have gained wisdom and insight.
When trials come, we are often forced to show our true colors. If we have prepared for them, we can shine in the midst of tribulation, not that it will be easy dealing with whatever it is, but that we are not kicked around like waves of the sea. We know God is with us, maybe not to rescue us, but to hold our hand through the situation, whatever it may be.
And it's worth it all! James, speaking to Christians says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)
To some extent, our whole lives are one big trial, but we have a blessed hope at the end, that outshines anything life, satan or anybody else can throw our way.
