Faith & Patience

Like it or not, everyone in this world goes through some type of adversity.  At times it may appear that one experiences more than another. It's during those seasons that people begin to say, 'Whose side is God on, anyway?' They are of the belief that God caused these difficulties to teach trust or humility. Often many are of the opinion that God orchestrated the suffering to get them to 'look up'. Some ministers teach that the tests and trials are to make us better people. Despite the fact that we can become better christians because of a trial, God does not use them to make us strong. Our acting upon the Word of God, helps us to become spiritually strong regardless of it, NOT because of it. 

The Bible says 'we are a friend of God' (John 15:15) And if He is our friend, why would He do bad things to us? Take a look at your friends, would any of them come over to your house with a vile of sickness and expose you to it? No, they wouldn't. And neither would God. God teaches by His Spirit, John 14:26 "But the comforter which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name He shall teach you all things..."  He uses His Word to instruct or correct us, 2 Tim. 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." And God uses His goodness, Rom. 4:4 "...the goodness of God leads to repentance."  Although we can learn from trials and tribulations, they are not God's method of teaching. When we are going through the experiences of hardship we come to realize areas in our life that need changes.  The challenges make us aware of where we need to gird ourselves up in prayer, or walk in love towards others, and even where we might need to renew our mind to the Word.

The Bible says tribulations are going to come. "In this world you will have tribulations, but be of good cheer I have overcome the world." , spoken by Jesus in John 16:33   But it's Satan that comes to buffet us, to steal the Word, and to get us to fall out of grace and into unbelief. There are also times that we make wrong decisions which bring hardships. We know that great faith comes out of great trials, but so does tragedy, backsliding and heartaches. It's important to understand that although we are faced with troubles we can overcome, by remaining faithful to stand on the Word of God. 

James 1:2-4 says, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience, but let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." 

Let me just leave you with this thought in whatever you're facing. Stand boldly before the Throne of God, praise Him for His mercy and grace to help. Be confident knowing you have the petitions you desire - because He heard you. And because you're standing in the operational power of God's grace in faith, you can exercise patience. With the endurance and perseverance remain steady and don't give into the fears - but allow that patience to work and build up hope. Keep believing God, it's with Faith & Patience that we inherit the promises!

James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man that endures (stands firm) temptations, for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him."

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