“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James. 1:2-4.
Diamonds are formed under great pressure and heat. If these conditions do not exist, they are simply not formed. It is not that they will be low quality, or smaller in size, but they will not form. The main thing that differentiate a diamond from a piece of coal is the pressure the coal withstood deep down under the earth, that turned it into Diamond. God brings His refining fire into our lives to create in us what He sees fit. When He sees our lack of character, He will bring into our lives what we need. So next time a fiery trial comes, thank God. He is producing exactly what He knows you need in your life. God can't produce anything worthwhile on you without your faith, your faith will be worth nothing without being subjected through trials. Your trials are God's training designed to produce beauty out of your ashes.
Faith is absolute confidence in Jesus Christ. The unshakable assurance comes from a heart wholly dependent on the Lord. Faith doesn’t thrive on uncertainty; it thrives on certainty, certainty in who God is, His promises, and His unchanging character. In an age of ethical failures and moral degradation, coupled with spiritual malaise, it almost seems as if everyone and everything has its price. But there are some things that are priceless. They have value beyond monetary measure. Beyond a price tag. Your faith in God should be one of such invaluable treasures. of those values that is incalculable in its worth.
What many Believers call faith, is merely a mental accent. Faith and mental assent, while seemingly similar, differ significantly in their nature and impact. Faith is an active, trusting belief in God and his word often accompanied by definite actions. True faith will increase your acts of service to God and humanity, it will bring about a stronger commitment to personal spiritual growth, and will inspire a more profound connection with God such that you can't afford to live or act outside of His counsel or will. Whereas mental assent is a passive intellectual agreement that may not translate into any practical change of behaviour. True faith is subjected through tests, to produce greater results and resolve. Just like our text says, count it a reason for rejoicing when your faith is tested, it produces maturity and exploits to the glory of God.
FURTHER READING:
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.” 1 Peter. 4:12-13.
“For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. / So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Cor. 4:17-18.
DECLARATION:
Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. I receive supernatural strength and inner capacity to live above board in all I do. I am supernaturally empowered in my faith to work worthy of God's purpose for my life and my existence. I refuse to be carried away by the whim and caprices of my flesh. I am energised by God and led by Him into victory in every aspect of my life in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Jer. 8:1-22.
Jer. 9:1-25.
Jer. 10:1-26.
Jer. 11:1-23.
QUOTE FOR THE DAY:
“Faith May Not Always Avoid The Pain, But It Sustains You Through It.”
