Thought for the Week
“Count it all joy when various trials fall upon you, because the testing of your faith produces perseverance; and perseverance, when it has completed its work, will make you whole and complete, lacking in nothing.” ~James 1:2-4
Untested faith is not faith. Last week I wrote that Doubt and Faith are related. Here are some thoughts about how the testing of faith works: Faith is a muscle which, when properly strengthened, enables us to hold onto the One in whom we place our trust. That’s why James says that trials are cause for joy. Not happiness, mind you; happiness is temporal (eating pizza and ice cream makes me happy; looking at the bathroom scale the next morning does not). But drawing nearer to God, no matter the test ahead (or rather because of it) brings me joy, which, unlike happiness, transcends the temporal state (2 Corinthians 4:17).
So, instant joy? No. Muscles don’t grow bigger the second you start pumping iron. But there can be break-through moments: A few years back, I was experiencing a huge amount of stress over one of the most important projects of my life, losing sleep, waking up early obsessing over every detail that remained undone. I spoke these words aloud again and again: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). And I earnestly believed them, having experienced the truth of them too many times to count. But my emotions hadn’t gotten the message yet.
Emotions tend to lag behind the convictions of heart and mind.
So, eleven hours into one fifteen hour day, I finally told my emotions, “Look, I’m gonna do this with or without you.” And an hour later, a remarkable peace engulfed my body: my heart slowed down and my lungs expanded. I knew instantly that this was no mere tropical islet — I’d finally hit the mainland. And despite many ongoing challenges, that peace remained with me throughout the remainder of the project. Of course, I eventually had to return to the perseverance gym. But I’m gradually coming to appreciate just how buff these faith workouts are making me. You might even say I’m learning to…
Count it all joy!
Some additional thoughts:
“Faith tells us what the senses do not, but not the contrary of what they see; it is above, not against them.” ~Blaise Pascal
“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart. And try to love the questions themselves.” ~Rainer Maria Rilke
“Faith is not the intellectual acceptance of a body of doctrine; faith is faith in a person.” ~William Barclay
“It is so hard to believe because it is so hard to obey.” ~Soren Kierkegaard
“Faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we cannot see.” ~Hebrews 11:1
“It’s a good thing to have all the props pulled out from under us occasionally. It gives us some sense of what is rock under our feet, and what is sand.” ~Madeleine L’Engle
“Faith goes up the stairs that love has built and looks out the window hope has opened.” ~Charles Spurgeon
“Faith goes up the stairs…” Oh my goodness, this whole quote in particular! 🌷
Great quotes. I try to love the Questions. They sometimes seem a little difficult to love, but they are easier than the Easy (and Wrong) Answers :).
Great point, Rita.
great
The “Untested faith is not faith” paragraph resinates so deeply with me, Mitch. No matter what I go through, the one muscle I have to constantly exercise is that faith muscle, believing “God IS Who He says He is and can DO what He says He can do.” And of course, that goes hand-in-hand with the joy muscle! Wish I could say I am spiritually buffed out, but unfortunately these muscles never seem fully developed, probably not until I see Him Face-to-face! For now, I thank you, dear brother, for another thought provoking post! Blessings! 🙏🏻😊🙌🏻✝️❣️
My privilege, Dori, and blessings upon you!
Thank you, Mitch! 🙂
The 2nd quote, by Rainer Maria Wilke speaks to my present situation. Thank you, Mitch.
My privilege, David.
Just love this. I have saved it.
<3
I think you’re right: emotions aren’t always in sync with our convictions. (Makes it hard to trust those capricious emotions!)
It does indeed, Priscilla.
“Faith workouts” is a good suggestion for the mindset we should have while dealing with our daily challenges. Thanks, Mitch! 🙂
My privilege, Nancy!
Spot on, Mitch. Just the word I needed today. I especially love the Pascal quote. Thank you for this gift!
So glad it hit the spot, Russell!
hebrews 13:01 jesus is the same
philippians 4:11 hide the word
Faith, the very gift of God. He is good, always. He has fulfilled all of His promises, why would he stop now? He has an eternity to spend with you alone and can count the hairs on your head as you talk to Him. Go ahead and tell Him what’s on your heart. He loves you when you turn and see Him with open arms, running after you.
Amen, Norm.
Excellent! Thank you
My privilege.
What a great way to understand faith! It’s a muscle we use and strengthen, which will give us the tangible results of joy and peace… and an easier time walking in faith as we get more conditioned. Have never heard it presented that way. Love it! And the quotes too 😊
So glad it spoke to you, Anonymous.
Super good post! Thank you!
My pleasure, Anonymous.
Magnificent!
Amazing story Mitch! It’s good to hear when God satisfies our hearts and minds with his love, favor, grace and mercy. The Holy Spirit will always comfort you my friend.
Enjoy the rest of your week and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
You too, Nora!
Thanks for the encouragement!
Beyond words to praise you💐🙏🌟
“I finally told my emotions, ‘Look, I’m gonna do this with or without you.’”
Than you, Mitch, I needed to hear that possibility today.
Glad it spoke to you Abe. I wrote this a ways back, but it seems God scheduled it for you on March 3, 2024. ;>)
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