“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.” (James 1:12 NLT)
Last week we learned that Temptation comes from our own evil desires and not from God. And that we have been given power through the Holy Spirit to overcome any temptation.
And just like with temptation, we also have been given the power through the Holy Spirit to overcome tests and trials in our life.
For testing comes from God. And He uses tests and trials to see what we are really made up of. Can we still worship and honor God when He is silent for a season, or doesn’t answer our prayers? How do we respond to disappointments? What kind of posture do we have in hard seasons?
“But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.”
Job 23:10 NLT
“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.”
James 1:2-4 MSG
God uses these tests to make our faith strong.
“Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace].
James 1:3 AMP
“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”
1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT
God is in control of all things, and He has given us His Spirit to overcome all things. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV)
So, we know that through anything that we may face in life, God has ensured us the victory by giving us His Spirit. And we also have hope that God cares and is concerned about us. “What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” (Psalms 8:4 NLT).
Therefore, WHEN tests and trials happen, remember that He has allowed it for a reason and in His greatness uses everything for our good (Romans 8:28).
Y’all have a great week and remember to uplift, inspire, enlighten, and, more importantly, encourage someone. If you want to reach out or have any prayer request or questions, then you can submit them here.
