When Your Faith Is Tested

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." - James 1:2-4

Various trials. What exactly is included in various do you think? Well - I think there several categories of trials. Physical, financial, interpersonal, and spiritual are the ones that come to mind.  And of course there are negative aspects to the trials, else they would not be trials would they? And what exactly is the test? The test is how you respond to the trial. Naturally or Spiritually

Let's say the trial has to do with a person. Doesn't matter the setting - family, work, friends, stranger - there is a problem with a person - what they said to you, or about you. How they treated you. Something negative.  The test is how to respond.  What does the Word say?

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." - Matthew 5:43-48

And that is the test isn't it? Responding in the way that Jesus said. What Jesus said to do, you cannot do naturally. It is a spiritual response that depends upon your spiritual health. On Faith. Trust in God. How far away you are from the world and how close you are to God.

"You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you." - Matthew 5:38-42

Our flesh cries out for retribution when a wrong has been committed. Jesus said be willing to yield and not demand your rights. What?!?!?! That is so difficult. You feel compelled to right the wrong. Vindicate yourself - to preserve your reputation - to make others see that you have been treated unfairly! See that the offender gets their comeuppance. But Jesus said "no". I have had that happen to me several occasions. The first time it happened I sought council from a friend and mentor. He said, "Do not defend yourself. Say nothing. The Lord will vindicate you in due time." That was spiritual advice that required me to exercise faith. And I did and He did - vindicate me that is.

But vindication is not really the point. The point is being a light. Exercising the fruit of the Spirit. Letting people see Jesus in us. 

"He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth." - Isaiah 53:7

So you still want to be like Jesus?

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone