Testing of our faith

     In James 1:2-8, “ My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,  knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, Who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.  For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;  he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

     To say to the world, “count it all joy when you fall into various trails” would draw a lot of negative reactions and certainly cause a social media firestorm these days. But this is GOD’S Word. This was penned by Jesus’ brother James, leader of the Jerusalem church.  James’ letter is written to the persecuted Christians in the first century.  

     Trials and tribulations are simply defined as tests of one’s patience or endurance.  COVID-19 has certainly tested our patience as family routines have been uprooted, friends can no longer enjoy social gatherings, students immersed into a virtual school without proms and graduations, and our own virtual church void of the warm embrace of agape love. But how do you explain “counting it all joy” knowing the challenges COVID-19 has thrust on this world’s inhabitants.    

     I believe verse 3 is the answer to how we should count it all joy. We must know this is a test of our faith and through faith will produce patience. Hebrews 11:1 states “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  Faith is not a feeling, but a muscle that must be exercised.  We must have certainty and confidence that GOD is with us. I firmly believe GOD is growing the church body by strengthening each of its parts for the coming days.

     1 Peter 1:6-9 states “ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire- may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.  Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,  for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” The “genuineness of your faith” really defines our actions we are taking during this pandemic. Are we worrying about what will happen next or are we encouraging others to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior?  This pandemic will end and yet there will still be non-believers destined to damnation.

     James 1:4 tells us “to let patience have its perfect works.” Patiently watch for GOD Leading you to a non-believer and have the faith to tell them of GOD’S perfect plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. So that when you stand before GOD in judgement, you may be perfect and lack nothing in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic.

     Further into James 1 we read that if you “lack wisdom, then you ask GOD”. Unlike the scholars of this earth, this wisdom doesn’t mean having been highly educated to worldly knowledge. This wisdom comes from practical discernment from GOD’S Word and recognizing GOD moments in your daily life. Instead of turning to the nightly news or the internet for when this pandemic is going to end, turn to GOD and pray that He reveals His will in your life.

     In James 1:6, we are quickly reminded to “ask in faith, with no doubting.”  I believe that is the very core of our true challenge during this pandemic.  I feel sure each of you are praying for healing, for endurance for our medical heros, for knowledge of a cure, and for protection for our loved ones, as am I.  But are we praying with doubt?  James writes “he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” Doubt is when we profess to be a believer in Jesus Christ (in whom we have committed our heart and soul), yet we show our fear in worrying over jobs, families, and money. Imagine how that must look to a non-believer.  When we allow our doubts to control our thoughts, we are tossed about like a “wave” and the “winds” are the negative thoughts of all that “could” happen.

     I saw a sign on the interstate that said something like “Doubting GOD? Call 1-800-“something. That message may be a legitimate Christian organization sending an encouraging message, but it struck me how many Christians could be starting to wonder why GOD would cause such a devastating pandemic. In James 1: 13-14 we are reminded; “ When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;  but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.”

     WE MUST SHOW OUR FAITH AND HAVE NO DOUBT THAT GOD HAS GOT THIS.