Has Your Faith Been Tested Lately?
It’s easy to have faith when life is good. But what happens when you are faced with one trial and challenge after another?
There have been times when I questioned God. After all, I am a believer. I read my Bible and pray each day. I go to church.
If I listened to some of these ‘health and wealth’ preachers, I’d really be doing more questioning. But I don’t subscribe to that false teaching. From what I read in the Bible, I’m not promised a life of health, wealth and prosperity.
“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:6-7
I believe the trials I’ve been going through have strengthened my faith in God. In the midst of uncertainty, I cling to Him. I’m learning to trust Him even when I don’t know what’s going to happen …tomorrow.
What do I know?
I know that:
- God is faithful
- God is trustworthy
- God is good
- God knows what’s best for me
- I have the Holy Spirit within me to comfort me and teach me
- God knows all the intimate details of my life and struggles
- God loves me
- God wants me to grow in my faith and trust in Him
- God refines me through adversity
- God is teaching me valuable lessons
- I am learning that many people live with struggles each and every day
- I am learning to praise Him in the midst of the struggles
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
The Lord is teaching me to persevere in my faith. I believe He is more concerned with my character development than with my comfort.
So what’s my part in all of this testing?
I want to learn the lessons He is teaching me. I don’t want to waste the trials. I want to be able to provide comfort, love and understanding to others going through difficult times. And I want to submit my will to His Will.
Are you going through a difficult time? Are you learning to trust God in the middle of your challenges?
Thank you for this post today!!!! I just “stumbled” upon your blog. No, I really didn’t stumble, God sent me here!
I lost my precious husband (of 40 years) suddenly due to a stroke just shy of 3 months ago. I am devastated, but at the same time, I’ve never been so close in my walk with God. In my time of sorrow, He has picked me up, brushed me off, and is making me a new person. Thank you Jesus!!!!
My pastor recently preached on this subject. He said if you’ve been given a promise from God, expect a problem with it. God promised Abraham that he would be the Father of many nations, but he didn’t have his first child until he was like 99 and his descendants were enslaved for 400 years. We have to actively fight for what’s ours because after all, the devil does come to steal, kill, and destroy which ultimately what he’s trying to do is shake our faith.
tiannamae.blogspot.com
I love your list of “I knows”. I know those truths about God as well…and I am so grateful. Sometimes, though, as we go through trials, our (my!) patience wears thing. However, good reminders, like your blog posting today, are a great encouragement to never give up hope.
Thanks Debbie. I needed to read those words today.
Blessings, Joan
This was a great post Debbie, and full of such truths. We aren’t promised lives without trials or problems, or full of nothing but good times and happiness. Just the opposite as a matter of fact. And yet we are promised HIS love, peace, patience, and joy. And I am thinking that is pretty good. Your scriptures fitted these thoughts just perfectly…
A big yes. Am certainly grappling with all of the above. Reading your post was inspiring, thank you.
Visit me on fb SistasInArms page, love to have you there God Bless Lxx
Likewise, I needed to read this tonight! Thanks for this edifying post. God bless
Ditto…besides who can’t serve a God who just pours worldly treasures on them? It doesn’t take as much faith to receive earthly treasures…but receiving heavenly treasures, purified through the flame…that takes faith.
Thanks for sharing…I too, am learning as you are, and seeing a new character of my God.
Oh, Debbie; you hit the nail on the head. We are not promised of a trial free life as Peter states. However we do have One who can give us the strength to go through them.
Powerful devotion!!!! Thank you.
My girlfriend just gave me the website this morning. I’ve been going through a rough divorce for the last three years. My faith has diminished. My children were beside themselves. After reading the scriptures and what other people have to say,it all makes sense. I have to be strong and get on the right road with Jesus again.This
sure came at the right time in my life. Thank you 🙂