It is normal for a teacher to encourage their students to be prepared for the material they will encounter on a test. I do the same with the Blossoms. We learn the concepts, practice them and then study to be ready for the test.
I've recently begun to wonder why we don't prepare for trials in a similar fashion?
"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
1 Peter 1:6-7
NASB, my emphasis added
NASB, my emphasis added
What if we were ready for trials? What if in the midst of them we reminded ourselves that our faith is being tested?
Isn't it easier to pass a test if you know the material that is being covered?
I know it's hard wrestling with why we go through hard things here on Earth. Those thoughts and conversations with God can be heart-wrenching.
Why, why, why?
I believe that our Father, in His kindness has shown a little part of why we walk through these valleys, this suffering with Christ. I have found that it seems a little easier to get up to face a day of trials, when I realize that my faith is being tested.
Will I be found faithful? Will I keep enduring in the hard times?
It is a hard realization, but a true one, that our fidelity to Him
is not tested on those mountain top days. Our faith isn't tested in the green pastures of life.
Times of duress squeeze the sponge and expose what's inside.
Knowing our faith is being tested can help us know what to do ---
Keep believing. Hold on tighter. Fall to our knees again. Cry out once more.
Are you feeling condemnation that you weren't prepared for this testing trial? Throw off despair!
These are encouraging words for you. This trial is to prove and test your faith. Now we know that. Now when we feel the doubts, when the despair is creeping stealthily in on the darkest days, we can realize that this isn't punishment. We can reach out to the Father again.
Remember, He is always faithful.
May our faith be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus!
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.
