Faith in Trial

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:4)

Are you burdened with the trials of life? Have you ever wondered or wished that temptations and persecution would be excused from the human experience? Do you find yourself questioning your faith because of the countless storms you find yourself in? Are you running out of spirit fuel in pursuing the purposes of God for your life because of hard times? Hold on; it's all a test of faith!

Down through the ages, several men that were used by God were prepared and furnished in the furnace of trials. Abraham—the father of faith, encountered lots of trials and tribulations in his walk with God. Every test came with its pains, its struggles, its sacrifices, and its questions. Picture Abraham asking his wife Sarah, "Why do we have to go through all these?"

After God told Abraham to leave his father's house to an unknown land, getting the promise of a child took him another 25 years. Boom! Like a thunderstorm, the request of God for Abraham to give away that one and only child almost blew him away. Think about it. Do you think Abraham enjoyed these processes? No, He didn't, but they were necessary phases in shaping his faith, patience, and trust in God. Every trial that came to the father of faith became essential to his birthing of the promises of God for generations to come.

Patient endurance is what you need now so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. (Hebrew 10:36)

The concept of pain before pleasure is a familiar phenomenon in almost every area of life. It's believed that whatever is worth having should be worth waiting for regardless of the pains involved in the waiting process. A mother goes through a series of labour pains before she gives birth. But when the baby comes, all the pains are swallowed up by the joy of having her baby. The same applies to our walk with God. We bear labour pains so we can push forth the promise. (1Peter 1: 9)

Beloved, our walk with God is built on faith, and we can only come to our place of promise by our triumphs over the tribulations that life throws at us. Have you started doubting God's promises of peace, joy, love, abundance, settlement, marriage, restoration, good health, wealth, etc., because of the trials you are facing today? The bible says that every test or temptation is a cause for joy! Sounds strange? Read James 1:2-3 "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." When you stay through this process, you get the reward of faith. (James 1:12)

Finally, from today, learn to rejoice in your tribulations. It is a sign that you are on your way to victory. Remember, no trial, no reward!

Father, I thank you for Your workings of faith and patience in my life. Help me to trust in You at all times that I may be made perfect, wanting nothing and deserving of the promise. In Jesus' name. Amen.