As I get “wiser” and deeper in my walk with Jesus, I tend to like two things more and more: Books of the Bible that are very straightforward (James, 1 Timothy) and to read about or hear about people who were “Big” in their faith.
By that I mean people who showed faith and faithful action, no matter the circumstance. How about Daniel? Faced literally by lions, his first impulse was to pray. And pray he did – and God answered and the lions’ mouths were closed. Job would be the other one, who comes to mind. Continually, those things and people that he cherished, were ripped from his life. Yet, he refused even to sin, by being angry with God! How remarkable.
By contrast, how often have we (me, you, the people you know well), been tempted to cast our faith aside, when things became difficult? I’ve spoken with three pals in the last year, who got so down via disappointments displayed by the brokenness of this world, that they were ready to throw in the towel. Stop going to church, stop being involved in Bible studies, etc – all because of a rough patch in life.
I know the temptation is there to do so. But how can we not face trials in a World fallen and broken? I think of the cruel and heartless agents, in the Matrix series. “It is inevitable”, the main agent would say, in his measured tone.
What is not inevitable, is our response to God in those times. If we are to be leaders in our occupations and in our homes, we need to stay grounded in Him, whatever the situation.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,a whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1: 2-4 NIV
Written by Jimmy Sackel
