The Testing of Faith Produces Steadfastness

Happy Thursday!  Some call Thursday, Thirsty Thursday.  Hopefully you have an unquenchable thirst for God’s word today. Did you know the testing of your faith produces steadfastness?  It does! So let’s dive into some words of encouragement. 

I remember when five buddies and I decided to go to Nashville TN on the weekend of our college Spring Break from Indiana State University (1982).  The closer we got to Nashville, the more it snowed, so I called my grandparents who lived in Venice Florida at that time.  I said, “Grandma, I am with five other guys in a van in Nashville.  We want to come to Florida.  Can we come and stay with you?”

Talk about the ultimate road trip!  We pulled into my grandparent’s driveway and Grandma came out to greet us.  Upon seeing us climb out of the van she said, “Where’s the band?”  We all looked at each other a little confused. Then it hit me, she thought I said five guys and a band.  😊

Anyway, we had a great time…what was only to be a weekend in Nashville turned out to be a week in sunny Florida…and no snow.  One day at the beach we (the six of us college studs) were laying out in the sun.  We were approached by a group of college girls – bold for back in the 80’s. 

One gal boldly invited us to a bar that night and exclaimed, “It’s $5 all you can drink.”  A college guy’s dream, beer and girls, right?  Obviously they didn’t know us.  My buddy Gary quickly exclaimed, “$5 all you can drink?  If I drank $5 of Mountain Dew, I’d get sick!”  Needless to say, the girls gave us a funny look and walked on their way.

Temptation is at every twist and turn

Temptation is everywhere.  Even Jesus was tempted. There is no such thing as a ‘no temptation’ guarantee. We are told, even warned, we will face various trials and temptations.

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Evidently, Mountain Dew was our deflection of temptation that day.  😊 So that was a fun memory, but know that whatever the temptation is, God is faithful.  There is a way of escape.

James 1:2-4 ESV

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Each time you overcome it, and oh yes, there may be failures in between, but this testing will make you complete, resolutely firm and unwavering.

Isaiah 41:13 ESV

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

God is a fierce protector

And what a great thing to know, that Jesus is right there with you, holding your hand.  Which hand?  Your right hand!  Although He is gentle and loving, He is also a fierce God when it comes to His children being messed with. I think He gets a little protective.  😊

I remember one evening as a teenager, some of the neighborhood friends were hanging with me in my side yard, right next to our neighbor’s house. We were making all kinds of noise, laughing, chasing each other, screaming, and having fun…evidently at the neighbor’s expense. She (the neighbor) came out with the look of the devil on her face because we were disturbing her peace.

My first thought was, “Ought Oh, I’m in trouble now!” Not only is the neighbor going to work me over verbally, but my parents will too.  To my surprise, my mom comes out of the garage with a folding lawn chair.  Nope, she wasn’t preparing to sit in it.  She had it raised over her head and was going after the neighbor!!!  Yikes. And to know my mom, is to know love and gentleness.  Fortunately, my dad came out and saved the neighbor lady.  And needless to say, the party was over.

2 Peter 2:9 ESV

Then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials.

Our God is real. He doesn’t mess around. He is perfect in every way. 

Challenge of the Day:  When you are facing temptation, a trial, or find yourself in a situation, know and picture Jesus being there and fiercely fighting on your behalf.  You are His child. So be it!