I don’t pretend to know the full disclosure of James, when he says in chapter one verses 2&3, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

I keep telling myself and others that I want to finish the race strong. That I want to bring glory to God, live my life for Christ, and live a life of sacrifice for Him. I want to have Christ standing there giving me a high five as I cross the finish line, saying something like… “That was awesome!” I wonder though … how long will I keep telling myself and others those things and remain idle and passive? How many more times will I tell God that I want to change and be a warrior for Him and yet be unwilling to endure the necessary tests that make it possible for me to press on?

In all truthfulness, I have lived much of my life saying things like this to God, “You can quiz me God, but in all honesty, I am not ready for the test. I haven’t had time to prepare. I have had too many snow days in my life (for the Iowa folks reading this). Please God, give me some more time and I promise I will be a better Christian. I will go to church more, read the Bible more and pray more. But for now can I get an excused absence so I can be better prepared when the test(s) come?”

Here I sit again reminded of the stark reality that if in fact I/we are never in a place to need him, then we will live our lives convinced that we in fact do not need Him.

… I/we cannot be a Christian and not be tested. The testing of our faith is not an option or an add-on when you are ready. The scripture is clear saying, the Christian life is all about change not adaptation. You cannot stay as you are and go with God. I know all of these things to be true, but do I speak from experience or expertise? Some of both I suppose.

It is true, God will not give us more than HE can handle!  Is God testing you as I speak? Though it may be hard, the longer and the more difficult the test, the greater joy at the outcome.

Keep in mind that giving your life to Christ is an open invitation for God to use whatever means is necessary to test and try your faith so that you may effectively and passionately run the race marked out for you. 

This past week as I was reading scripture I was reminded of Hebrews 11:6, which says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Faith is the vehicle we use to please God. So…what are you driving? A work truck with scrapes and dents or a luxury Mercedes? Pleasing God is not possible if we pursue a faith that is luxury with no evidence of God’s working in our lives. The tests of life won’t come and go without leaving behind scrapes and dents; not meant to embarrass us as we might like to think, but rather to make a public display of God’s working in our lives.   

All I can say at this point in my life is… If I cannot please God without faith, then Jesus Bring the Rain! Take a minute and solidify these thoughts by listening to the song “Jesus bring the Rain” by MERCYME.  And may God draw you ever so close today as you thank Him for the scrapes and dents you currently display and for the ones yet to come.

Click here to see the MERCYME video

Pastor Andy Veith