Testing, Endurance, and Blessings (Blog)

There are times in our lives when it seems like God is silent. I know no matter what comes my way at the time; it will not last forever…it is only a test. I realize the test determines if I am faithful and consistent in good times and bad times. There are times when all who believe call out and there seems to be no answer for the situation at hand. The enemy will ask, where is God or someone near to your heart might ask why this terrible thing or illness has come upon you. Our hearts could faint and our faith waiver if we were without hope; I know for certain that God is always with us. I am acutely aware that whenever we are being tested; it is like being in a classroom with an earthly teacher that is present but silent during a test, and so it is with God. Whenever God has given permission for us to be tested, he removes the hedge around us and allows the enemy to sift us for a season. God is ever-present and knows how much we can bear. He spared not His own Son. So, who am I that I should be spared going through some things? It is so easy to praise and thank God when everything seems to be going well; but how do we stand during the season of testing? In truth, no one like hard times and suffering but it will surely reveal our strengths and weaknesses.

James 1:2-4 (NLT)

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So, let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.