Are you passing the test?

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  (James 2:2-4)

If you live the Christian life. one thing is for certain--you will be tested.  Somewhere along the way you will encounter a circumstance that will challenge your faith, confront your lifestyle and force you to move forward or cause you to retreat.  Genesis 22 shows us such an encounter from the life of Abraham.  The test was simple in action, yet cut to the core of Abraham's belief in God.  The task:  to take Issac, his only son of his beloved wife Sarah, and sacrifice him to God. 

We have to ask ourselves , "Why would God test commitment in such a difficult manner?"  Simply to see how committed Abraham was.  Abraham passed the test by his willingness to offer Issac.  An angel of the Lord kept him from killing Issac.  Yet, the testing solidified God and Abraham's commitment to each other and for the task God had for Abraham in the days ahead.

Why does it seem God is always driving us to the edge of our faith? God is always in the process of teaching.  One of teaching's greatest tools is testing.  As with Abraham, God wants to help us see how committed we really are.  He also wants to show us his faithfulness to us amid our trials.   Furthermore, God desires that we grow deeper in our relationship and knowledge of Him.

Therefore, testing is really for our benefit and spiritual growth.  Understanding this, we can see why James could encourage us to "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds."

Are you counting your testings and trials as "pure joy"?  This Sunday we will seek to understand the purpose of trials and the results that can come if we persevere.

See you then,
Pastor Jeff