There is life beyond the test. The only thing that can save us in the midst of chaos and turmoil is our faith in God. Faith is confidence in Him, not in our old ability. Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). Without it we cannot please God.
Faith is putting one’s ultimate trust or confidence in Almighty God. Faith is not putting your trust in human ability and power or in false gods and the things of this world.
Faith is putting all your eggs in God’s basket, then counting your blessings before they hatch. -Ramona C. Carroll, Author
Remaining positive in the midst of a negative environment requires faith. Only a person of faith can be calm in the midst of a storm or maintain a good attitude in a negative environment. Only a person of faith can endure hardship without giving up on God’s promises. The Bible says the ancients were commended for their faith. All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised, yet, God was pleased with their faith.
What I love most is that we have the ability to see the invisible God through our faith. Moses saw something that was invisible to most men—something that was more important than anything this world could possibly offer. He kept his eyes on the one who is invisible (Hebrews 11:27).
Our faith is manifested by the tests we encounter. Testing reveals the depth of our faith. It is proven in the midst of life’s challenges. God allows testing. It produces perseverance and patience. Let’s take a look at these Scriptures:
”For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing“ (James 1:3-4).
”The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure“ (1 Corinthians 10:13).
We must not confused the tests that God allows with the tests we bring on ourselves. James 1:13 says, “And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.”
God allows trials for the proving and maturing of our faith Temptations come when we are drawn away by our own selfish desires. When tempted, humble yourself before God, confess your sin and receive forgiveness. Discerning the source of our tests is important to our ability to live successfully beyond the test. Be careful not to confuse the two.
Blessings,
Dr. Francine is an ordained minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She hosts a radio broadcast called “Going Beyond Church” on World Power Gospel Radio (WPGR). You can listen live by phone 712-775-8151. Connect with Dr. Francine on Facebook at @afrancinegreen as well as on Twitter @beyond_2017. Visit her website at http://www.beyondchurchwalls.com.
BEYOND CHURCH WALLS 