The Trial Of Your Faith

Have you ever read a verse that you’re familiar with, having heard/seen/strived to believe and/or live it your entire life, that just jumps right off the page as if you’re seeing for the first time?  Living Word because Living God.  This happened to me yesterday while reading my Smith Wigglesworth devotional.  Yesterday’s reading was I Peter 1.  I got down to verse 7 (KJV) and it gripped me…I’ve been marinating here ever since:

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ…”

To be honest, I’m not sure if this was the correct interpretation, but what stood out to me was, as Wigglesworth put it, “The trial of your faith is more precious than gold.”  For the first time ever, it became crystal clear that these spaces of trial, testing, and discomfort are actually…good.  No, they are best.  Trial is a necessary and non-negotiable element of faith.  Why?  Because the value is derived from the testing of the faith.   

When rough times lead you to the intersection of faith and fear, you always have a choice in how to proceed.  You can drudge along passively in “wake me up when it’s over” mode.  I won’t even pretend that this hasn’t been my posture a time or ten.  Ha.  But I’m learning that there is another way.  There’s the option of pressing past the feel and the optics of the situation and choosing to bring your faith and trust to the table, no matter how big or small.  If you choose to view your situation in light of its eternal backdrop, then consequently, any fact of today must eventually surrender to the truth.  The Bible has so many, but some that I hold dear:

• “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”  Romans 8:28 (AMP)
• “…for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!”” Hebrews 13:5 (AMP)
• “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.”” Deuteronomy 31:6 (AMP)
• “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us spreads and makes evident everywhere the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 (AMP)
• “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us].” Romans 8:37 (AMP)

The definitiveness of the scriptures is absolutely overwhelming.  There’s no hedging…no “maybe” or “might.”  No, the scriptures are clear that as long as we are in Christ, we WILL prevail!!  No matter what happens in between time, victory is sure!  I don’t know about you all, but I feel like I can withstand almost anything if I know how it all ends.  Thanks to the promises of our great and powerful Savior, we do!

If you insist upon choosing faith, the Holy Spirit will always meet you there.  The amazing part about that is that He brings every single thing you need to endure and then some.  The presence of God and a greater knowledge of who He is.  Grace.  Love. Strength. Joy. Peace.  Patience.  Purpose.  In a situation where you once weren’t sure how you’re going to make it through, you end up thriving in the Hands of our gracious and loving Father.  Above all, you end up with an ever-increasing measure of faith.  Faith is the currency of the Kingdom.  By proving the genuineness of your faith, He’s rooting you deeper in Him and making you wealthy where it matters most. 

So, in good and comfortable times, be intentional when it comes to your faith.  Cultivate it.  Treasure it.  Value it.  Protect it.  Most of all, remember how productive God has been with it.  In the trial of our faith, God is giving each of us a gift…A priceless treasure of untold worth.  Faith tried is foundational to true faith.