THINK RED

James 1:3-4 “Let the testing of your faith….do a thorough work…. that you may be perfectly developed, lacking nothing.” 

Some people have a problem with asking God “why?” but God is my heavenly Father.  He and I have a relationship where we talk to each other.  He doesn’t mind my questions.  In fact, He loves it when I come to Him for the answers, rather than trying to figure things out on my own.  Even if the answer to “why” isn’t given right away, He supernaturally fills me with His peace that, one day, I will know.

So…. Have you ever wondered why you have to go through testing?  James 1:3-4 shows us that tests are GOOD things—to be used for our spiritual development.  How does that happen…?  Think “R-E-D”.

Testing REVEALS OUR IMPURITIES

Impurities may be known or hidden.  In Deuteronomy 8:2, God told the Israelites not to forget the 40 years in the desert where He TESTED them to see what was really in their hearts.  God reminded them in chapter 9 that they were hard, rebellious and stubborn.   They needed to recognize their need for help to be righteous.  There was a lot of pride in the Israelites because they were the chosen people.  (I think it’s rather funny….they were actually “CHOSEN” to show how we CAN’T save ourselves!)  If the Israelites had not been tested, perhaps today, WE would think WE had it in US to follow God’s Law perfectly and WE might think WE wouldn’t have to submit in total dependence TO HIS SPIRIT within us!  So, as with the Israelites, let YOUR test reveal… & be healed!

Testing EQUIPS US FOR FUTURE APPOINTMENTS

Remember Joseph?  His trials equipped him to compassionately handle the responsibility of being a leader in Egypt.  HE knew what it felt like to be betrayed, to be a slave, to be unjustly accused and to be labeled a “convict”.  With each test, however, Joseph remained faithful to God and persevered.  God then placed him in that place of honor to do good for His people.  Our supreme example is Jesus—who understands us because HE has experienced our very same tests and passed them all equipping Him to be not only our sacrificial Lamb, but our High Priest! (Heb. 4:15)

Testing DISCIPLES US IN THE SCHOOL OF TRUST

In Luke 8:22-25, while the disciples were out on the sea, a terrible storm came up.  Jesus was sleeping and they woke Him saying “Master, we are perishing!”  Uncovered was their lack of faith even though they had seen Jesus perform miracles!  God was teaching His disciples that their faith was not enough.  True faith doesn’t come by working hard to believe.  We receive God’s faith by staying in His presence, hearing His word.  He cares.  I wonder what would have happened if the disciples would have gone to Jesus and sat in His presence.  He WAS there.  He hadn’t left them!  He WAS the Son of God.  Just because He’s silent, does not mean He’s not involved in your circumstances either.  Let your tests REVEAL YOUR IMPURITIES, EQUIP YOU FOR FUTURE APPOINTMENTS AND DISCIPLE YOU IN THE SCHOOL OF TRUST.  Think RED!

 

PRAYER:  Father, help me to pass my tests.  Heal the hidden impurities.  Teach me all that I need to know for Your appointments.  Impart Your faith as I meditate and sit in Your presence.