The import of this devotional started two days ago has been to know how trials encountered as Christians increase levels of our faith. Reason the devotional is tittles “Trials As Ingredients of Faith.” Trials and troubles have built up the faith of many Christians because in the trials, God shows up real and powerful. All the early Disciples of Jesus saw how trials and temptations helped them develop strength in faith and spread the gospel. Reason Apostle James admonished Christians to consider it all joy whenever they are passing through trials and temptations. This means our mindset should always view trials as opportunity for rejoicing. No period of trial and temptation is good enough to practically rejoice. It however gives opportunity to look on to God expecting a restoration. This makes God responds to our troubles quickly.
In the earliest days of Christianity, those who passed through trials and temptations rejoiced seeing themselves worthy of suffering for Jesus Christ (Acts 5: 40 – 41). Through their rejoicing, God opened many doors of good health and prosperities to them. The arrest of Apostle Peter was death-threatening trials. But it gave the Apostles opportunity to pray asking God to show up. God showed up. Angel of God attended to him and freed him miraculously. This incident increased their faith as it gave assurance that God answers prayers. Another trial that followed made the Apostles to pray till the place they were started shaking and vibrating (Acts 4: 31). At the end of every trial God does something that causes us to glorify His name. Apostle James puts this as “… testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1: 5).
Many Christians are changing this gospel truth today thinking the early teachers of the words wrongly embraced negativism in the gospel. Trail does not give assurance that all is well; rather, it should make us stronger in the LORD. During trials, we are to accept that perseverance and steadfastness produce in us maturity. Apostle Peter says therefore, that trials will refine us to be what God needs out of us (1 Peter 1: 7). It is funny that as human beings developed in them, hassle-free life; desires for easy life, they no longer accept difficulties. We must accept the fact that trials and temptations met with steadfastness to stay with God through thick and thin is great faith. This has made many people grow stronger in the LORD. The beloved, it may be hard to know how you have responded negatively towards trials and temptations. Whatever and however it has been, see trials and temptations as opportunity to know God more perfectly.
PRAYER:
HOLY SPIRIT, surely, trials and temptations will come on my ways as long as I live in this world. My prayer today is your encouragement that will see me through in the name of Jesus Christ.
bishopubaudenyi@hopealivechurch