“Knowing that the testing of your faith produces
patience”. James 1:3
If any man claims to
have faith, then his faith must be tried to check if he actually had it in the
first place (James 1:3). Every faith must be tested, just like Abraham’s faith
in God was tested.
Every Disciple of
Christ should expect the testing of faith. The race is not a smooth ride as
some suppose. In this road to glory, we are bound to face all kinds of
challenges, temptations, tests, and troubles. If anybody preached otherwise, such
is preaching falsehood.
It is falsehood to
believe that you won’t be tempted to sin against God. You will be tested to
ignore God’s timing by cutting corners. You will be tempted to help God by
ignoring basic principles of the Kingdom. You will be tested to see if you are
a doer of the word or only a teacher or hearer alone. Expect to be tempted to
hold on to God’s word or ignore it.
The great men of old
in the Old Testament faced their own individual trials of faith. Our Lord Jesus
Christ’s faith was tested. The Apostles were neither exempted from being tested
nor were our founding fathers of faith. This is because they all belonged to a
Kingdom different from the system of this world. We likewise are not of this
world-we are strangers here.
Trials are not
allowed by God to kill you, although that is the devils aim. Trials are allowed
by God so that you can come out as refined gold. It is not meant to kill you
but to make you better. It is working out for a greater glory for you.
All you have to do
in regards to the trials of your faith is to:
1. Expect it.
2. Prepare for it by becoming spiritually matured.
3. Rejoice when it comes.
Whenever you are faced
with the trials of life, just know that God has already destined and designed a
way for you be victorious over that issue, so as to come out a better person.
“The temptations in your life are no different
from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the
temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show
you a way out so that you can endure”. 1 Corinthians 10:13.
