One of my favorite preachers was the late Adrian Rogers who once said "A faith that hasn't been tested can't be trusted." I really believe that there is a great message in that statement. Many people claim to have faith in God and can easily serve God when everything is going well for them and they are not dealing with any problems in their marriage, their family is enjoying life, their finances are in good shape and their health is excellent. There's no trick to having faith in God in those circumstances. However, let your employer notify you that your job in being phased out and you're going to be without a job. Or your routine trip to the doctor results in you finding out that you have cancer. Or perhaps you are like those here in southern Indiana who are watching their homes and property destroyed by tornadoes and horrible flooding. Everything is gone and washed away. That is when our faith is really tested. James writes, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4). We would never willingly be happy that we are suffering, but we should realize that when our faith is tested, it is forging God's character and strength in our lives. We have all suffered and faced difficulties in our lives, but what makes the Christian believer continue to persevere and work through the situations they face as opposed to the one who simply gives up and is overwhelmed, is a faith that trusts God because it has been through testing. Don't let problems make you bitter, but allow God to work in your life to make you better. God bless.
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