Spiritual Sunday - Trials

Today’s verse is perfect for the week we’ve had:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
- James 1:2-3

I’ve talked about God testing us the past few weeks and we learn that God asks us to test Him in only one area: our finances! Ouch! How that can hurt in today’s world! Nonetheless, we know through scripture that we will face trials and temptations. Jesus himself tells us in John 16:33

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Whether we face illness, financial despair, disappointment, etc … we should look to the Bible for our peace and understanding through every situation. Romans 5:3-5 tells us:

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

The Word teaches us to rejoice in our trails and to thank God because we know that we will grow through the circumstances. We must understand that trials may test our faith, but our faith tested can bring out the best we have to give to God. Thus meaning, our tribulations work FOR us and not AGAINST us. They help us to mature and grow in our walk with Christ.

How often do we need patience, yet know better than to pray for it. I like the line in “Evan Almighty” where Morgan Freeman (God) says,”

Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?

If we truly wish to triumph through our trials we must learn to “let go and let God.” We must have the patience and faith to allow God to move in the situation. Something that seems impossible for most of us! It’s hard sometimes to hand it all over to God in a world where most of us like to just be “in control.” We must know that, ultimately, everything works for good according to God’s will … not our own.

Finally, we must simply ask for the wisdom and knowledge required to get us through the time. God tells us to ask for wisdom, but the knowledge can only be gained though studying His word. We can gain wisdom through our life experiences and sought through prayer, but the knowledge of the sword will only be learned when it is studied and applied to our everyday life. Accordingly, we should pray in faith, without ceasing, and without doubt that God alone can move mountains.

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. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
- James 1:2-8

Spiritual Sunday: Our Faith

For each of us, standing steadfast in our faith can be a challenge. God has declared that we will be tested, but our perseverance through those trials and tribulations is what allows us to grow and mature in our walk with Christ. The entire chapter of Genesis 22 is a great story about how God tested Abraham, and yet he held on to His promise that he knew was to be fulfilled through his son, Isaac. Abraham prepared to sacrifice his only son atop the mountain, knowing that God had already promised him that he would be the father of many nations ... and Isaac was his only son. He still went as told, without question.

Do we, as Christians, do this? Do we allow ourselves to understand that God will test us on occasion (although not every trial is based on this) according to Geneses 22:1? Do we follow Jesus Christ daily, without question (Genesis 22:3,4)? Do we surrender ourselves to Him, and completely trust in Him to carry us through every situation (Genesis 22:5)? How do we completely trust in God?

• worship God always (verse 5)
  
• walk with God confidently (verse 8)
• work for God continually (verse 9)
• wait on God courageously (verse 11)
• rejoice in God cheerfully (verse 12)

Once we are able to believe in God's promises to us, follow Him daily, and trust completely in Him, only then will we be able to receive His blessings abundantly. We know that God is good and He will always do not only what is right, but what is best for us in our lives. It may not be according to our will or desires, but it is always according to His promises and His will.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
- Hebrews 11:1

Spiritual Sunday: Our Treasure

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
-Matthew 6:19-24

My husband and I are reading the book Money, Possessions and Eternity for our life team at church. It's an incredible book about finances and the direct correlation to the Bible as far as how we should invest and spend in our time here on Earth ... to ensure that we have riches stored for us in Heaven. The book asks 4 questions posed by A. W. Tozer to determine our treasure:

#1 - What do we value most?
#2- What would most hate to lose?
#3 - What do our thoughts turn to most frequently when we are free to think of what we will?
#4 - And finally, what affords us the greatest pleasure?

After considering and answering each question, what is your treasure? For us, naturally we would list our family as our treasure, but if we honestly look at our daily lives ... is this so? Are not possessions and money also part of our treasure? We had to really stop and look and make sure that we are adjusting ourselves to remember, "you can't take it with you." We are taught that only by serving God and others will we store up heavenly treasures that are eternal and inexhaustible. I want to know that although we do not have "wealth" on Earth as determined by society, we will still have great riches awaiting our arrival into Heaven.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us — yes, establish the work of our hands.
- Psalm 90:17

Spiritual Sunday: Tough Love

Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied.
- Genesis 22:1

This was the scripture we studied today at church. It was quite a powerful message considering the tests we have prevailed through over the past 16 months (I really should blog about this story at some point). Basically though, we heard about how we must understand that God will test us and that His tests are never easy! Each test requires us to step out and walk in faith. We must whole heartedly trust God to carry us through each and every situation as they arise. Do not be fooled though ... not every trial and tribulation we go through is a test from God. "Sometimes Satan tempts us so that we may fail, whereas God tests us so that we may prevail"! The important thing to factor in is that the tests are always exactly what we need! Whether we want to acknowledge it or not. Even as parents we must show our own kid's "tough love" and it's the same way with our own Heavenly Father. Why does He test us?

1. He tests us to make our faith mature and complete
2. He tests us to prepare us for what He is calling us to do
3. Most importantly, He tests us simply because He loves us

We will see as we walk by faith that blessings will flood our lives. James 1:2-4 proclaims:

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.