Consider it pure joy, my
brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because
you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. - James 1:2-3
Valuable things are often tested to prove that they’re genuine. When
you go to a bank and give a $100 bill to the teller, she holds it up to
the light. Why? Because she’s looking for a watermark of authenticity –
testing it to make sure it’s genuine.
One pastor shares that when he visited The Philippines years ago, the
government didn’t yet have the technology to add watermarks to the
currency. So instead, the bank tellers would hold the money close to the
light and then examine the pictures that were printed on them.
This pastor was curious, so he got up the nerve to ask one of the bank
tellers how to know that the money is genuine by just looking at it. The
teller told him that if the hair of the man pictured on the currency is
not combed perfectly, then the dollar is counterfeit.
Things that have value need to be tested – and that includes your
faith. When God allows challenges to come your way – whether it’s your
health, a struggle with grief, or tough financial times – He’s holding
you up to the light to show the world your faith is genuine.
The faith that is not tested is the faith that can’t be trusted. So
when you’re being tested, let the light of God shine through you so the
world can see His mark on your life!
Prayer Challenge:
Ask God to give you a rock-solid, genuine faith that will withstand any test that comes your way.
Armed for Teaching Sunday School by Doug Hall
Today's Bible Verse...
Remember your Creator in the days
of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach
when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them." —Ecclesiastes 12:1
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
When
we are young and have so many things to do, many things can distract us
from what is important. We must let the Lord gather our passions under
his grace in those early days of excitement and frenetic joy so we can
be used for God's greater good. For most of us, age brings a crescendo
of limitations of one kind or another. This doesn't mean life has to be
bad, just that we had better put our priorities in order. Hopefully we
learned the lessons of faith in our youth so that we have the maturity
and wisdom to be mentors, examples, and counselors for those who come
after us on the path.
My Prayer...
Holy God, I pray for the youth of your Church. Give them passion and joy as they find you and follow Jesus. May their faith be real, vibrant, joyous, and triumphant! Give them a sense of your glory. Sustain them through their later years with a deep assurance of your presence, victory, and grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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