Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” —John 11:40
Every time you venture out in your life of faith, you will find something in your circumstances that, from a commonsense standpoint, will flatly contradict your faith. But common sense is not faith, and faith is not common sense. In fact, they are as different as the natural life and the spiritual. Can you trust Jesus Christ where your common sense cannot trust Him? Can you venture out with courage on the words of Jesus Christ, while the realities of your commonsense life continue to shout, “It’s all a lie”? When you are on the mountaintop, it’s easy to say, “Oh yes, I believe God can do it,” but you have to come down from the mountain to the demon-possessed valley and face the realities that scoff at your Mount-of-Transfiguration belief (see Luke 9:28-42). Every time my theology becomes clear to my own mind, I encounter something that contradicts it. As soon as I say, “I believe ‘God shall supply all [my] need,’ ” the testing of my faith begins (Philippians 4:19). When my strength runs dry and my vision is blinded, will I endure this trial of my faith victoriously or will I turn back in defeat?
Faith must be tested, because it can only become your intimate possession through conflict. What is challenging your faith right now? The test will either prove your faith right, or it will kill it. Jesus said, “Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me” Matthew 11:6). The ultimate thing is confidence in Jesus. “We have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end…” (Hebrews 3:14). Believe steadfastly on Him and everything that challenges you will strengthen your faith. There is continual testing in the life of faith up to the point of our physical death, which is the last great test. Faith is absolute trust in God— trust that could never imagine that He would forsake us (see Hebrews 13:5-6).
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August 29, 2016
Journal for Today-JDV
Thank you God for this day and for this opportunity to learn more about Your love and guiding hand. Unlike Chambers message today, “…the test of your faith will either prove your faith or kill it “ we believe Romans 8:28; all things work together for the good of those that love the Lord. We also agreed that our faith needs testing, but that our tests are simply tests to surrender knowing our inabilities and weaknesses are overcome by your strength as we surrender and live connected lives. Is this right Lord, is this the way to live past our own weaknesses and imperfections?
And God said…”Absolutely. If you try to live in your own strength, knowledge, faith and hope you will live in defeat. It is when you learn to let go and allow Me to carry you that you truly live. Seek first the kingdom of God, which is Jesus, and I will meet all your daily needs. Acknowledge the Lord in all your ways and do not rely on your own strength, knowledge, faith and hope and I will make your paths straight. When you say you cannot “handle it” or life is “too much”, that is right where I can meet you. I meet you right at the point of your surrender.”
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