Testing of My Faith

I hate exams. In college, I faired quite well on my exams, but I hated them nontheless. Study, study, study and hope I can remember. Miserable! I am convinced my migraines I experience even today are a direct result of exams in college. HA!

That being said, exams are necessary. They build character, patience, knowledge. They remind us that the knowledge in our heads must be proven by action. Right now, I am in one of God's exams. And you now know how I feel about exams. The testing of my faith comes with great pain. I ache daily right now knowing my faith is being tested. I long for relief, even beg God for it. I pray for myself selfishly. I ask God to relieve me. Then...I am reminded of his truth in James 1..."2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
9The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

Okay...let's clear the air. The world tells us to take pride in ourselves, God says take pride in our low position. The world says avoid trials, God says to consider it pure joy when faced with trial. The world says work hard and play hard and enjoy material possessions, God says ask for wisdom (and believe) and you will receive it. The world says go to a psychiatrist when times are tough, God says perservere under trial and receive the crown of life. Are you facing a difficult time right now? Do you wonder how you are going to get out of it? Are you approaching the end of your faith? Praise God! Praise him and then ask him for wisdom. This is the message of James. It contradicts everything the world tells you, yet God is all-knowing. He knows what you are faced with more than you do yourself. And he knows how you're going to get through it. He has provided the answer to get through this tough season, as well. Read the passage again. You'll see it. It's there. Just don't think like the world thinks. Think how Jesus thinks. When you see it, you will be moved to praise him. You will feel embraced in God's comfort. Trust me, I did.