“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
— James 1:2 – 3
God Uses Problems to Inspect You
It’s easy to believe we trust God, and to look like our faith is strong, when we don’t have any problems. But problems are what tests our faith, to reveal what’s really inside us. People are like tea bags. If you want to know what’s inside, drop them into hot water! Your faith is like that. When faced with a problem — an angry stepdad, a sprained ankle before the track meet, money shortages — how’s your faith? Are you still confident that God will meet all your needs? Do you wait patiently for God’s answers and help?
Until you’ve seen God supply your needs and help you through a few problems, it can be extremely hard to view problems as opportunities for joy. But “blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). Once your faith has endured a few tests, you will view problems differently. You will know a blessing waits for you after you face the trial successfully.
More To Explore: Romans 8:17 – 18 and 1 Peter 4:13
Girl Talk: Have you ever thought of problems as a chance to grow? Do you stay close to God during trials?
God Talk: “Lord, I am learning that trials are a chance to grow in my faith. Please help me to remember that. Thank you for always being with me. Amen.”
From Girlz Rock by Kristi Holl