Faith. What does faith mean to you? Faith is something that is easily taken for granted. You had faith the chair you sat down in this morning would support you, but what if it didn’t? What if you came crashing down to the floor as you went to take a seat? You would inspect the chair thoroughly the next time you went to sit, wouldn’t you?
I admit that the chair has come crashing down beneath me in my own life. Unfortunately, the primary object of my faith was not Jesus Christ at the time. There were so many unanswered questions that took place when my stroke occurred. How did this happen? What is the purpose of this, and would I ever walk again?
Since then, hidden away in a tiny corner of my mind, I have thought that after surviving the stroke, I had filled my quotient of pain and suffering. However, as I seek to understand God’s plan for myself as a child of His, I know that there will be moments where my faith will be tested.
What about you? You may not have suffered a stroke, but I’m sure your faith has been tested. Do you continue to call out to Jesus like Bartimaeus, the blind man? (Mark 10:46-52) Even though you are not blind, it is sometimes easy to focus on the trying circumstances that engulf you. This leads to worry, anxiety, and frustration.
God never promised that serving Him would mean living on “easy street”, but He does ask you to trust Him because He has overcome the world. (John 16:33) I tell myself that I don’t want the so-called “easy street.” There is a part of me that would prefer more moments of comfort.
I do not know of many people that enjoy pain, but it is the painful times that drive me closer to Jesus. The first half of this year has been quite painful for me physically, and it has prevented me from doing the thing I love most…writing about my Savior.
I’ve asked myself what God is seeking to teach me through this very uncomfortable process. I came across a verse I had memorized a few years ago, but God wanted to give me a reminder.
Consider it all joy, my brethren when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result that you may be perfect, complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1: 2-4)
Perfect? Now that is a daunting word indeed. As long as we live on this earth we will never be perfect like Christ. The good news is… He continues to mold us to be more like Him.
[clickToTweet tweet=”When God brings you through difficulties, your faith in Him grows stronger.” quote=”When God brings you through difficulties, your faith in Him grows stronger.” theme=”style3″] You are continuing to mature as a Christian as God equips you for His purpose. Even the disciples who followed Jesus would sometimes forget the blessings and miracles of Christ they had seen with their own eyes. Look at what Jesus said to them.
Why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand? Or the seven loaves and the four thousand, and how many large baskets full you picked up? (Matthew 16:8-10)
Your faith will continue to be tested. Satan is always on the prowl, but God instructs you to resist him. (1 Peter 5:8-10) He is relentless in his efforts to destroy you and your testimony for Christ. He even tested Jesus three times while He was here on earth.
The trials and tests can strengthen your faith, but it all depends on your response to those trials. Do you dive into God’s word and seek Him in prayer doing these times? It is only with God’s power that you can overcome the enemy.
There is a very insightful verse at the end of Jesus’s testing by Satan, and if you are not careful it is easy to miss. It is not mentioned in the Matthew 4 version of Christ’s temptation, so I want to illuminate it for you today.
When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him for an opportune time. (Luke 4:13)
Wow! What a reminder to dress in the armor of God every day. Satan is roaming about looking for the perfect opportunity to attack, but God has left us with the necessary tools to equip us for the spiritual warfare that exists. When you dress in God’s armor, you are confirming your faith in Him.
Another path you may travel on your journey to unwavering faith is by being tested by God. Remember Abraham and the tests God placed before him? God instructed him to leave his family and go to an unknown country. God promised to bless him and his wife, Sarah with a child at an advanced age.
However, He then asked Abraham to sacrifice that same child, Issac, on an altar. What I love most about the story is that Abraham believed God’s promises. There were moments of doubt and consequences for not waiting on God, but his faith grew as God showed Himself faithful. Look at Abraham’s response to his son as they were headed towards the altar. Issac questioned his father about the sacrifice.
God will provide for himself a lamb for the burnt offering, my son. So the two of them walked on together. (Genesis 22:8)
Having unwavering faith is a process. You don’t just wake up one day and it magically appears. Just like with the chair I mentioned earlier. You sat down in it because it has held you up over the months and years. You don’t walk up to it and inspect it before you sit. God should always be the object of your faith because He will never let you down. I absolutely love this promise from God.
Do not fear for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will surely help you. Surely, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
I was just sharing this verse with my mother the other day as we were encouraging one another. What a wonderful promise from an omnipotent God! Can you think of anyone better to put your faith in? He is promising help and strength and imploring us not to live fearfully.
I am going through God’s training to not live anxiously. He wants me to lean into and trust Him. I may not be able to see His complete plan, but my faith in Christ continues to grow because I remember all He has done and continues to do in my life. If you want to experience God’s indescribable peace, allow your faith in Him to grow during times of trial and testing.
The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock. (Isaiah 26:3-4)
So, as you travel on your spiritual journey to unwavering faith, there will be testing along the way. Remember this my friend, God is sovereign, and nothing takes place that is not His will. You will encounter potholes, detours, and there may be times when you feel you’re drowning in quicksand, but it is all part of God’s plan to continue growing you up in Him.
Have Faith in God, friend,
Horace Williams Jr is the oldest son of a pastor who went to be with Jesus in 2020. He is an award-winning author and amateur chef who loves Jesus Christ. His passion for Christ inspires readers to draw nearer to the God who loves them.
Horace, I like your analogy of the chair. And I admire your persevering through your stroke to become an encourager and cheerleader of the faith. When what we’ve trusted crashes we know we’ve been trusting the wrong object. It’s easy to impose our ideas of how God should act onto Him instead of allowing Him to define what’s best. Those who trust in Him will never be disappointed. But those who trust in their ideas of how He should behave will be disappointed. Blessings to you, my friend!
Amen Debbie. That is so true! When we put our complete faith in Christ, we will never be disappointed. He is faithful even when our faith is lacking. Thank you for visiting friend. Have a wonderful week and may God continue to bless you and yours in all your endeavors.
I’m sorry to hear of your health struggles this year, Horace. 🙁 But encouraged that your faith remains strong. This is so true: “I do not know of many people that enjoy pain, but it is the painful times that drive me closer to Jesus.” I’ve definitely seen that come true in my own life. I don’t ever intentionally want pain, but I do have it, and I see that it can either draw me closer to Christ or turn me bitter if I let it. I appreciate your words to let me focus on Jesus through it all. You’re setting a good example, brother.
Hey Lisa! Thank you for your kinds words and encouragement. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. I’m thankful that God has allowed me to share my testimony of faith. It is so great to hear from you today. Have a fantastic week and may God bless you and yours.
Horace, did you know that I needed this ‘pick-me-up’ today? Thanks, dear friend, for reminding me that God has a purpose for the trials, that He is trustworthy and that He is growing us up in Him.
So glad to see you making your way back. Your story and your commitment continue to inspire me!
Blessings in abundance!
Hello Marva! I was so excited that I was able to finish this post via God’s strength. I was going to IM you and let you know. I’m thrilled to read this was encouragement to you as well. I’m learning everything has a purpose for God’s plan. It took me about a week to complete this but it feels great to begin healing a little more each day. God continues to prove himself faithful dear friend. Have a fantastic week, be encouraged,and may God continue to bless you and your family.
All the trials we go through will bring us to a greater spiritual maturity if we are standing on His Word and trusting in Him just as you are doing. This is such an uplifting post, Horace! One thing I’ve noticed about the devil’s tactics is when we have gained a little victory he tries to come to rob it. But like you said, we have to keep our armor on and be ready for that fight. God is good. Prayers and blessings, friend!
Amen Kelly! Thanks for stopping by today. I agree. Satan is not omnipotent so he watches and studies us. We have to stay prepared for His attacks especially after spiritual victories. He tested Jesus after He was baptized by John the Baptist. I’m glad you were encouraged by the post. I write hoping to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. Always a blessing to hear from you. I hope you have a wonderful week and continued blessings to you and yours.
Amen, Horace! Are you a speaker? As I was reading, I could hear the passion in your voice. Powerful truth here, my friend. Thank you for sharing. One of my favorite lines: “God should always be the object of your faith because He will never let you down. I absolutely love this promise from God.” I love this promise, too. Happy to be your neighbor today at #HeartEncouragement
Thank you Mandy for your words of encouragement. I’m glad you were inspired by what God put on my heart to share. It is my desire to be open and honest with my readers. Thank you for visiting today. Have a fantastic weekend and May God bless you and yours.
Your chair analogy is perfect. I often find myself thinking God is a “chair” that’s failed me. I’ve inspected it and found it broken. I lack trust in God at the inmost part of my heart.
Obviously, I know that God has not failed me – but my perception of God is broken. I pray that the Lord will remedy this.
I’ve almost finished a book called “The Gift of Pain” formerly called “The Gift that Nobody Wants” – he’s a doctor that worked with leprosy patients – who don’t feel pain – and he entailed why pain is so vital to our existence. You should pick it up!
Hello Elaine. Great to hear from you old friend. God will restore your perception when you seek Him. Satan wants to confuse and discourage you, but God is always faithful to His children. Take care of yourself and may God continue to bless you and yours.
Brother , I was moved by this post immensely. Unwavering faith is steadfast even in the midst of stroke, the devil’s roar, and a broken “chair” .
1. Peter 5:8 has been on mind since I have been meditating how the Devil is looking for a child of God to devour and wrote a post about it recently.
I will be praying for your health ,for continued strength . May your faith shine for the world to see .
Diana (http://dianasdiaries.com)
Diana. Your comment has encouraged my heart. I glad you were blessed by this post. I only want to do God’s will. He put this post on my heart several weeks ago, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to share it this week. God is faithful. He continues to strengthen my faith in Him each. I love Him for all He has done. The passage in 1 Peter is a powerful warning and instruction from God. We are blessed that He has left us withe equipment to prevail in the spiritual warfare battles that take place. Thank you for visiting today and your prayers. Have an amazing weekend and blessings to you and yours.
Awesome post, my friend. I cringe when I read the verse about being joyful when we have trials. But then when the trial is over I can see that He got me through it just like He said He would and I probably did grow from it. Love it! God bless you. #Saltandlight
Thank you Steph. I have been looking forward to joining Salt and Light. I am happy God allowed me to do so this week. That is the wonderful thing about God’s word, it challenges, convicts, and confirms us in our relationship with Christ. I thank God for His faithfulness. Thanks for visiting today. Have a fantastic weekend and God bless.
Wow! You are a truly godly man. Your post is so heart-warming. To read about all you have been through, and to see you find your strength in God is inspirational. I pray God will restore you to full health. Thank you, Horace, for remaining true to Him and pointing people toward hope.
Thank you Erin for your kind words, but it is only by God’s amazing grace that I have tbe opportunity to serve Him. I do appreciate your prayers and I am so glad you enjoyed this post. Thanks again for your visit today. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and blessings to you and yours.
This is the truth that God is walking me through right now! Thanks for writing this post! I’m encouraged by how God is using you.
Love you brother!!!
A visit from the oldest of my sisters is a surprise blessing.Keep your eyes on Jesus as He looks to strengthen your faith. Count it all joy as the scripture says in James. Praying for you and family . Trust God’s plan. He never fails. Love you too!
Such a good reminder, Horace. As much as I know God is sovereign and I trust His plans, it does take great intention, when the chair comes crashing, for me to cling to faith. I can be prone to anxiety too, and so I have to remember to cling to God and His truth and not be tossed too and fro by my emotions or the attacks that Satan brings. I’m so glad to have that solid foundation and life preserver to cling to, otherwise, let’s face it, I’d be a hot mess. 😉
Lol Tiffany. You gave me a chuckle with your “hot mess” reference, but I hear you. That anxiety can be a rascal to wrestle with at times. We have to keep our eyes on Jesus and remember He is always there to empower us to accomplish His will. Great to hear from you old friend. Take care and may God continue to bless you and your family.
This is a great reminder, Horace. Right now I’m studying all the verses on trusting God, while I’ve done a study on faith in the more familiar stories, I’m planning on digging a little deeper in those accounts that are not familiar.
Reading about the chair reminded me of my high school typing teacher. I’ll never forget how she sat down and a wheel fell off and she ended up in the floor. She was certain that pesky teen boys had something to do with it even though they never admitted to it. Every day after that, she stopped and tipped the chair over to double check those wheels.
While there are times I double check to make to make sure God is still there, I’m glad to know I really don’t have to do that. He is always there even in those times when I don’t feel him.
Horace, this really blessed me. Thank you !
So great to hear from you old friend. I’m glad to read you were blessed by this post. It is amazing how God knows exactly what we need and when we need it. HIS timing is always perfect. Thanks for dropping by and Godspeed in your bible studies as you dig deeper. Have a fantastic weekend Lori and may God continue to bless you and your family.
God never fails, but we certainly do. Sorry Horace you have been through so much, but He has brought you through it and what a testimony you are to what He can do and will do.
Thank you Debbie for your kind words of encouragement. I’m thankful that God continues to use my life so that He is glorified. Thank you again for stopping by. Have a fantastic week and God bless!