The Test of Faith

“James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:1-8

Are there times when you struggle to maintain your level of faith in God? Do you find yourself trusting Him deeply - then later questioning that trust? James warns against a wishy-washy type of faith, the kind that is not honored by the Lord. What can we do to strengthen our faith so that the storms of life don’t blow it from side to side? Focus on these three keys:

- Act upon your will, not on how you feel or what you see. When you know God’s direction on a matter, follow through by exercising your will. Choose a course of action which is in line with the truth.

- Focus your attention upon God. If the focus of your attention is upon your circumstances and the impossible thing before you, you will go down in defeat. The omnipotent Creator of the universe is true and faithful. Trust Him.

- Keep your mind on the Word. The Bible is filled with the promises of God. God will be faithful to what He has said. His promises are true and can be trusted. Another benefit is that your mind becomes renewed and your life transformed.

Faith - it’s your choice.“The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of faith is the end of anxiety.” - Mueller