The Trial of our faith. James 1: 2-4; 12

[glad4mercy]

James 1:2- 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Our faith is tested in many ways. We will face temptations, afflictions, weariness, health problems, financial hardships, family troubles, and a host of other trials. While no trial is ever pleasant, we can be joyful in trials for they can be beneficial to us if we do not faint. James lists three wonderful benefits that the trial of our faith will produce if we stand and do not faint.

I. The trial of our faith produces patience.

James 1:3- Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

The word patience means perserverance, endurance, and steadfastness. The present trials of our faith strengthen us in in endurance. Just as a weight lifter begins with lighter weights and works up to more reps and heavier weights, God will not allow us to be tested above our ability to handle the test. When the trial of faith comes, and we do not faint, we become stronger in faith, our faith is refined and purified, and we increase in steadfastness.

Consider Daniel. His faith was tested when he purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the Kings delicacies. ( Daniel 1). His steadfastness in resolve and faithfullness prepared him for the even greater trial of the lion's den. God delivered him from all of His trials, and in all of His trials he brought glory to God. Daniel's faith, endurance, and steadfastness were also increased.

So it will be with us.

II. Endurance in trials produces maturity.

James 1: 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing .

When we continually stand steadfast in trials, without fainting and without wavering, the result is maturity. James said let patience have her perfect work that you may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing. In other words, let the perserverance and steadfastness of your faith finish it's work in you, so that you might reach maturity and be complete in Christ and be filled with the fullness of Him. God's desire is to bring us to maturity, growing up into Christ in all things. A mature Christian is a fruitful Christian, prepared unto every good work.

III. Those who are approved by testing receive a crown of Life.

James 1: 12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried , he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

When we perservere in faith, even in trials and temptations, we are demonstrating that we truly love the Lord. Those that love the Lord will receive a crown of life at the end of the day. Soon our troubles and trials will all be over, and we will enter the blessed rest of heaven the Lord has prepared for us. Soon the trial of our faith will be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

The testing of our faith produces steadfastness, maturity, and an eternal weight of Glory. Hallelujah!

The Last mile of the Way. Johnson Oatman Jr.

If I walk in the pathway of duty,
If I work till the close of the day,
I shall see the great King in His beauty,
When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.

If for Christ I proclaim the glad story,
If I seek for His sheep gone astray,
I am sure He will show me His glory,
When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.

Here the dearest of ties we must sever,
Tears of sorrow are seen every day;
But no sickness, no sighing forever,
When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.

And if here I have earnestly striven,
And have tried all His will to obey,
’Twill enhance all the rapture of heaven,
When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.

When I’ve gone the last mile of the way,
I will rest at the close of the day;
And I know there are joys that await me,
When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.

[episkopos]

Rejoice in all things!!!!