Scripture: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” – James 1:2-3
Examination: James writes about godly living, seeking God’s wisdom and applying it to daily life. He explains that the Christian’s faith should produce righteous works for the Lord, and that hard times help to grow our faith and serve Him better.
Application: Testing comes in many different forms. Tests in school are often preceded by increased stress as studying becomes more intense the closer the day of the test becomes. Some tests are referred to as tests of time, which means that the proof of something is in its durability. Examples of items that fall into this category include appliances, fashion, and even friendships.
There are also occasions when one’s faith is tested. There are many examples in the Bible, and perhaps one of the most well-known is found in the life of Job. Eventually, God rewarded Job for his faithfulness, but the process was a very difficult one for the biblical patriarch.
You may have heard it said that Christians are either in a storm, just exiting a storm or about to enter one. These are the times of testing for our faith. Like any other type of challenge we face in life, being prepared helps us navigate through them more successfully. Being victorious through hard times depends on several things.
1. Maintain your perspective.
- Remember that God allows challenges in life to grow our faith, and while it may be a tough pill to swallow at times, trust God’s plan.
- “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” – Jeremiah 29:11
2. Fall back on your personal spiritual support system.
- When facing trials, this is not a time to withdraw from daily prayer and Bible study. Instead, stay anchored to God as you go through hardships for His comfort and peace.
- “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” – Isaiah 41:10
3. Trust the Lord
- During the testing of our faith, we often try to take control in an effort to generate the results we desire, but often our will is not God’s will for us. We must purpose to surrender control to the Lord and trust Him through the situation and for the outcome.
- “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5
4. Reach out to others
- Moses had Aaron; David had Jonathan; Ruth had Naomi. When times are tough, reach out to a trusted Christian for support through prayer, wise counsel, encouragement, or simply a shoulder to cry on. It can be a church leader, family member or friend.
- “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
5. Have a spirit of gratitude
- It’s so easy for negativity to fill our minds, and that can lead to depression and despair. Instead, remember to be thankful for the blessings God has already given to you. Start your day thanking God for what He’s done for you in the past and for what He has promised to do for you now and always. Knowing that God is faithful and nurturing a spirit of gratitude will help you go through those times when your faith is being testing.
- “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” – Psalm 34:1
Memory Verse: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4
Stretching your thoughts:
1. Why is it difficult for Christians to trust God in challenging situations?
2. How could you help someone struggling with their faith when hard times come?
When peace like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul
It is well (it is well), with my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul
(from “It is Well With My Soul” by Horatio Spafford)