So, been through some tough times, some challenges lately? You have heard “the testing of your faith produces ...(something)” always. When we are challenged, or tested, there is always an impact, a result, an outcome. Sometimes the result is chaos, confusion, or even anger. Sometimes it is doubt.... So now, evaluate the challenges you have faced recently. You were tested, but you say "I was tempted by God". Let’s be clear. God does NOT tempt us to sin. That is from another camp, or from within ourselves. We allow ourselves to get into tempting situations.
Does God hate you for being tempted? Nope. But He will use the test that you have gone through for His glory and for your good (“God causes ALL things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose”)
So you faced some tough stuff. How did you do? If you are like me, there are times you fall flat on your face, failing miserably. Incidentally, seems like the same “temptor” that was there telling you how much fun it would be is now your greatest accuser as well, whispering “some Christian you are…loser”.
But what I have found in knowing my God is that He is the Great Forgiver. When I fall, when I fail, surely I let Him down, but He is faithful and quick to forgive when I seek His face. As soon as I am aware that I have been duped again by the enemy, that is the point where the tide turns in my favor. Now, I have an advocate in my behalf, Christ Jesus. He pleads my case to the Father, and on the basis of His sacrifice at calvary, once again I am declared NOT GUILTY. Satan loses, I win. I have learned valuable lessons through the process and I am restored to my Lord!
So, in the case before YOU right now, what has this testing of faith time produced in you? I pray that it will turn out to be ENDURANCE – read James chapter 1 and see what God wants to do in our hearts by allowing us to face the trials, the challenges. And the, read on to find out why we need endurance.
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