0838. The Faith That Stands the Test

The Faith That Stands the Test

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (1Pe_1:7).

Believers should never think it strange "concerning the fiery trial" that takes place among them, as though some strange thing happened unto them (see 1Pe_4:12-13).

Tribulation always worketh patience; suffering always gives promise of a glory to be revealed; testings rightly borne reap crowns of life in the days to come.

Let us then count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations; for faith will give the victory every time.

God did test Abraham, but Abraham's faith made the stones of testing, steps of enlarged blessings.

Paul was tried beyond measure, but Paul manifested a faith in God that made him cry at the last–"Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness."

There were many saints of old who had "trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented" (Heb_11:36-38). These all obtained a good testimony through faith. They stood the testings, they reckoned that God was faithful; they saw beyond their trials and promised rewards, and they died in faith.

God delights in the faith that fails not; God delights in the faith that is rooted and grounded, and cannot be moved by difficulties and testings in the way; God delights in a faith that stands steadfast and which cannot be shaken, a faith established in Him.

When God has tried us and found our faith true, He always brings us forth as gold.

Job was tried but remember his latter end.

Joseph was tried but consider his exaltation.

Moses was tried, but behold him with Christ on the mount.

The testings from God bring the blessings every time. The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR