In life we will all experience trials that will test our faith. I have heard some fellow believers ask why God allows us to experience these trials that test our faith. I do not believe God lets us experience trials to punish us, I believe he uses all trials to help us grow stronger in our faith. James 1:2-3 reads: “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.”
We have all had trials throughout our lives. I am no different. Thirteen years ago, I lost my wife. At 2:00 pm I spoke with her and made plans for dinner. At 5:30 I came home to find that she had gone home to be with her Lord. In three and a half hours my life was changed forever. This was a trial I never expected. I could have gotten angry, blamed God, and even walked away from my faith, but I chose to lean into my faith. My faith in God kept me going and gave me the strength and endurance to keep going. I thought of Matthew 28:20b then, and still do every day when Jesus said, “…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” That promise sustained me then and it continues to sustain me every day.
I believe we all must make a conscious choice every day to “keep our faith.” We will face trials every day because Satan wants to convince us that his way is better. Do not let that happen! My advice is to practice the following three things every day to keep your faith strong and focused on God.
1) Talk through prayer to God every day, throughout the day. He wants to have a personal relationship with you and there is no better way to build and maintain that relationship than talking to him. There is no one who cares more about you or who is willing to listen to you. First Peter 5:6-7 tells us “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
2) Read God’s Word every day. He will speak to you and provide knowledge and comfort to you through His Word. All we must do is come to Him with an open heart and He will let us know His will for us every day. Colossians 3:16 tells us to “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
3) Become active with the Church, it allows you to interact with believers. Your faith will grow when you are interacting with other believers. The temptations of the world will be easier, not easy, to manage when you are around your brothers and sisters in Christ. They will help you with your trials (challenges) and pray for you. In Luke 22:31-32, the author, Luke, affirms this: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Live your faith every day! Walk proudly as the Holy Spirit walks with you! God will not forsake you, so I pray you all “keep the faith” and grow in your faith walk every day.
