James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of various kinds, for the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Let steadfastness have its full effect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
The true character of a person shines through when tested. Scripture reveals that the testing of our faith is crucial. Remember, faith is trust. Do I trust God?
2 Corinthians 13:5 urges us to examine ourselves, to see whether we are in the faith. Test yourselves. Realize that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
Living a sheltered Christianity, one that is never tested, hinders our growth. If you are a parent, you understand the balance of protection and allowing your children to mature through challenges. Imagine your child, crawling, looking up at you, and standing up wobbly. Your arms are open, ready to catch them as they take those first steps. You give them the chance to grow while being prepared to comfort or celebrate their progress.
Romans 5 encourages us to rejoice in trials, as they build perseverance, character, and hope. This speaks of increasing trust and character development.
We are that child, and our Father teaches us to walk in faith (trust) in Him. There are moments of failure and success, and in those successes, we know it is Christ alone in us. Even in our failures, God uses them to uplift us, just as Romans 5 teaches that we grow in perseverance.
2 Corinthians 13:5 reminds us again to examine ourselves and test our faith, recognizing that Christ lives in us.
Living out our trust means embracing denial of self. It’s a total abandonment of self-preservation and control, fully believing that God will use every situation for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28).
Denial of self represents maturing in Christ, and this maturity unfolds through life’s tests of our trust in the person of Jesus.
1 Peter 1
6In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Every challenge we face is a way to grow. I remember training for a marathon. Each week I would run further than the week before. I knew that I couldn’t just show up the day of the 26.2 mile event and expect to complete it.
Our Christian walk is the same way. How can we improve without facing challenges? Are we preparing ourselves for something greater?
We need to rejoice in ALL we do – even during the tough times we endure.
This scripture really speaks to me. It helps me to adjust my perspective on trials in life and see the potential for growth and communion with Christ. I always strive to be successful when I know I’m being tested. It motivates me to dig deeper and push myself. Though I will never live up to His standards, I should continue to strive to exceed mine. Christ pushes me to do this. I’m so grateful for a Father who cares enough to challenge me to grow.