The Test Of Our Faith

Something that has been on my heart is the topic of faith and the trials of our faith. One of the early things we learn as a Christian is that our lives wont be trouble free. The moment we give our lives to Christ doesnt mean we will have a straight run to heaven. There we be obstacles along the way, there will be tests. But the way we percieve these obstacles is the important thing.

James 1:3-5 says the following on Trials and Temptations:

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. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him

I really like this piece of scripture because no matter how many times you read it,  you are bound to find more wisdom each time! This passage speaks to us about how we see trials, the importance of trials, the significance of going through trials and how to deal with trials. People could writes whole books on that, but James has been able to summarise it all in a few lines.

Starting with the first line, we should be joyful when we face trials. Not complain of our situations but see it as an opportunity to grow. Can you imagine studying a subject, but there was not assignments or tests? How would you be able to measure your progress? Likewise God will test our faith to expose wheter it is genuine. 1 Peter 1:7 also mentions this:

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.

 There is also another extremely important thing that we obtain through trials and that is patience or perseverance. Could anyone argue the importance of patience in developing our character? When we reflect on the kind of people we are drawn to, we will usually find we gravitate to those who are patient.

It is normal for us to act impatiently in times of trials, but that is not what God desires. He is looking for those who are patient in times of trouble and can endure. Just as Jesus said in Matthew 5:5

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

One of the greatest examples of a person who endured trials with patience is our Lord Jesus Christ. Hebrews 12:2-3 says

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

This an awesome piece of scripture which we can draw strength from in troubling times. When we feel we are in hard times, we need only fix our eyes on our almighty saviour and what he acheived on the cross!

But what about the result of being obedient throughout our trials? Through submitting to God and displaying patience throughout our trials and tests, we are ultimately growing in Christ and demonstrating our Christ like characteristics. This is what our Lord God delights in most of all.

Another wonderful thing that comes out of trials is that we draw close to Christ. Many times I have heard and experienced myself that through a difficult trial I have come out of the darkness much closer to Christ. We are given the opportunity to grow closer to Christ, much closer than we could have under normal circumstances! Therefore why should we be upset and troubled when we are facing trials, we should rejoice that its an opportunity to grow closer to His awesome presence. And again through this close relationship we can learn to be more like Chirst.

In the end trials will always end. And after the storm there is the sunshine. We need only grow in our maturity, draw strength and wisdom from Christ our saviour and always remember that he will never leave us, just as Hebrews 13:5 states:

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”