If you have been a follower of Jesus very long, there is one thing you have probably learned, or will learn soon- that faith is not faith until it is tested. The Bible says the testing of our faith produces something in us. The Word of God is a record of people whose faith was tested in a multiplicity of ways over the centuries of human history. Job may be the oldest written record of a man of God whose faith was tested and in the end, he came forth like gold!
Saying we have faith is one thing. Living out our faith is quite another. It is easy for example, to say we believe in healing until we are sick! Or it is easy to believe that God provides for His children until there is an economic crisis! It also may be easy to believe that God forgives all our sins until we do something so shameful we feel that even God cannot forgive us.
The truth is, we don’t need faith for the possible, but rather for the impossible. When circumstances and situations around us become challenging or grim, that’s when we find out what kind of faith we really have.
We are living on planet earth constantly barraged with tests, trials and temptations that put a strain on the best of us. The trauma of life is not meant to discourage us but rather embolden us to exercise our faith in a mighty God and believe for His divine and loving intervention in our problems. He can indeed forgive our iniquities, heal our diseases and provide for all our needs.
Whether today’s stress for you is the economy, a flu epidemic or typical pressures of family, business and life, God’s Word and His promises are still available to build your faith, impart courage and help you make it all the way through your test. We reject every spirit of fear and embrace the spirit of power, love and sound mind that the Lord gives to all who trust Him. May the Lord be with you as you pass every test you may be facing!