TheLionWithin.Us: How to Reflect on Trialsنموونە
Faith
Recalling the last time I had to fly for business, I remember how the hustle and bustle from parking to security, carried over to the moment it was time to board the plane...
It is in that moment where faith can truly be tested. Perhaps you are like me, and watching planes take off and land is always a sight to behold. From a distance, it is easy to have faith that everything will happen as it should and it is like watching artwork as the pilots perform their jobs effortlessly. However in the moment when I am walking down the chute and take that step from the terminal to the aircraft, my faith is being put to the test. I am no longer a sideline reporter but an active participant – that is what we are called to be when we follow Christ.
When I ponder the testing of faith according to our scripture from James, it seems to me that testing is not something done in vain but with purpose. Perhaps this is why Jesus reminds us that our amount of faith is not as important as what we have our faith in, ultimately, Him (Matthew 17:20-21). In the middle of a trial, faith is strained, beaten, and stretched to incredible lengths – and for the unbeliever, this is often when other vices are tempting – however, for those who choose to put their faith in Christ, we know that the test is simply part of the process of growing deeper and closer to Him. For me, the daily reminder of Who I'm putting my faith in, far outweighs the personal test I may face that particular day – whether at the airport or sitting on the porch.
Questions to Consider
- How has your faith been put to the test over the last few months?
- Looking back, what can you learn from your last test, that you can apply when the next storm hits?
Scripture
About this Plan
Spending time looking back to reflect upon trials can lead to moments of joy and peace. Wisdom is the mechanism between having trials and moving those trials into an enduring faith. As endurance, joy, and wisdom increase, we are becoming further equipped to manage the trials that inevitably come our way. Learn to navigate trials in a Christlike manner.
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