Just like we have vital signs that are medically examined to ensure there is life in our physical body, there are vital signs to see if there is life in our spiritual being. Faith is one of the vitals signs for a follower of Jesus Christ. Trusting in Him through our good days and our not so good days. Having the living Word of God in our hearts is another vital sign. When we face temptations from Satan, use the Word of God to defeat His attacks.
If you read James chapter 1, you will see what I call the "T & T Effect". Trials and Temptations affecting our spiritual vital signs. Trials (tests) are from God to develop our faith in Him. It says to be happy when you face trials. How weird is that? Are you serious? It might not be easy to smile looking at the trial straight up, but smile at the fact that God still cares about you by testing you. Look beyond the trial and you see that He wants to build your faith, endurance, and character. Our spiritual muscles are stronger because of the testing of our faith. We become more mature and complete in Him.
In the middle of the sermon on Sunday, as everyone was quietly sitting there listening, I asked everyone to get ready for a "surprise" test. Asked the ushers to hand out answer sheets and pencils. Everyone, including ushers looked at me with a puzzled look. They all were wondering what's going on and trying to figure out what's next. After a few seconds of anxiety, I revealed it was a joke. No surprise test. But it served a point, sometimes as we are just strolling along in life, God will throw us a "surprise" test in life. He'll throw us in a situation we never dreamt of. He'll take something away from us. He'll see how much you really trust Him or trust something or someone else for our existence. We have no choice but taking the surprise test. We do have a choice on HOW we take it. Trust in Him.
When you pass His test, you get the best reward. Not a sticker or star, or a gift from loved ones, that are great but all temporary and will fade away in time. God will give you the crown of life in heaven. That crown is being specifically made for you. He is sizing it for you as you pass each test He gives you. Verse 12 says it best, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
Tests administered by people of this earth, are to evaluate how much you know. Tests administered by God is to see if you trust Him and if you do, it will build your faith, give you perseverance which leads to maturity and being complete.
Stay tuned for T & T Effect - Part 2: Temptations
Enjoy The Ride,
Cecil
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