“Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.” (James 1:12, the Message)
I like to consider myself a faith filled woman. Don’t we all?
It’s easy for me to talk about the good things of God, especially when life is wonderful, and I’m enjoying the view from my mountaintop.
Mountains turn into valleys, and about the same time that I think I’ve got my theology down, something comes along to mess with it. As soon as I’m confident that God will supply all my needs, the testing of my faith begins.
The testing process can be a bitter and painful one; one that threatens me with feelings of discouragement, bitterness and all kinds of injustices. Keeping the truth before me, taking my thoughts captive, and giving thanks (yes, I said give thanks) will enable me to walk through the valley victorious.
God creates (or allows) trials to prove that my faith is real, just like a fire tests and purifies gold. He doesn’t want me to be fake; He wants me to be real, because He knows that real is more satisfying.
Considering my challenges as an opportunity to burn away the fake requires faith. Embrace them. James said to consider it a joy to face trials and temptations, because with it, my faith is proven to be true.
Someday, I’ll receive that crown of life that Gods promised me, and I won’t have to worry about trials of any kind. Meanwhile, I hope I can joyfully exercise my faith, and be confident that it’s real.
“While you are going through your trial, you can recall your past victories and count the blessings that you do have, with a sure hope of greater ones to follow, if you are faithful.”
Ezra Taft Benson
He is always on time gal! ^^^
God is always right on time! I needed this message. Thank you for following God!