by Cindy Phillips
How do you respond when the unexpected happens? It could be a financial setback, a health issue, relationship problems, death of a loved one, etc. Jesus said in this life you will have troubles (John 16:33). What did He tell you do to? Take heart because He has overcome the world! The Apostle Paul had MANY problems (2 Cor 11:24-31). How did he respond? He said he took pleasures in his trials so Jesus would look strong in him (2 Cor 12:10). Even James, Jesus half-brother, had much to say about how a believer in Jesus Christ should respond to trials (James 1). He said you should consider it a JOY when you are tested because faith, when tried, is a treasure.
Trials reveal what you truly believe. Tests separate the wheat from the tares. Tares look like wheat until harvest time. Testing tries the seed of faith within you (Matthew 13:18-23). If the seed is along the wayside it is snatched away before it can bear fruit. Do you believe in the One True God and His Son who laid down His life for the whole world? If the seed is on rocky soil it doesn’t have a strong root. Even the slightest wind can topple it. Will you give up on God at the first hint of trouble? If the seed grows up among the weeds it competes for resources and can’t bear fruit. Will you let the cares of the world distract you? Will you use all the resources the Lord gave you on worldly matters? Will you be won over by the world and let the world system take your faith away?
Trials will prove (test) what you really care about (have faith in). Seed in good ground is also tested but with strong roots (faith) can withstand the wind, rain, heat of the day, etc. Do not fear the trials that come upon you. Embrace them and let the Lord perfect you through them. Your foundation will hold because the One you trust in never fails!