Devotion - Wednesday, April 1 - The Testing of Our Faith

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2–4 ESV)

Trials test our faith throughout our life’s journey as part of our spiritual refinement. They are part of the “good and perfect gifts” God gives his people in order to make us whole - to perfect and complete us. From that perspective, trials and testing, though hard and unpleasant, are not optional but necessary.

When our hearts align with the Lord’s, we can see trials as gifts that produce enduring faith and spiritual maturity. It’s in that moment that I find the type of joy James is speaking of in our God who is sovereign over all things, including our trials. The fruit in our lives from this season will become clearer and clearer as time goes on. Stand firm, “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13 ESV)

Does the wait (and the weight) of this season feel like a test to you? If so, what is being tested? 

How are you viewing the trial we are in right now? 

In what ways is your faith growing in steadfastness, meaning firmly fixed in place, immovable and not subject to change?