The Trial Of Our Faith - What God's Word Tells Us
Faith does not deny reality but causes us to realize that God is bigger than the problem we see in front of us.
When we receive bad news such as a cancer diagnosis, what is the first response we have? Does fear grab us? In our natural realm, that is a common response.
The steps we take in our response are crucial. Reality tells us that yes, we have a problem; possibly a serious one. But God’s Word tells us that He is in control. These are both truths and very real in any situation – so which one do we run with?
The Trial Of Our Faith
When told I had cancer and without a hysterectomy, I would die, that was a fact – in the natural realm. But in the supernatural realm, I knew God had promised my husband and me that we would have a family. I had already prepared my heart with promises from the Word of God "that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken by the Lord." Luke 1:45
That truth, God’s truth, was greater than the doctor’s truth. That is the truth I chose to stand on – to believe.
After we assume that position in the faith realm and decide to stand firm in our faith, there often is a trial that ensues. I Peter 1:7 says, “that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
The trial, the struggle, the period of time we go through when we choose to believe God’s promise to us, and the actual manifestation of that promise, is the trial of faith. Our faith is being tested, as if by fire.
What Do We Do Next?
What we do during this time is crucial to receiving the fulfillment of what God promised us. Do we question it? Do we doubt? Do we wonder if we heard God correctly? Do we ask if the promise in the Word applies to us or only to others?
These are natural responses. But when we choose to believe what God’s Word says and apply that truth and not concern ourselves with God’s timing, we will be victorious.
The trial of our faith comes into our thought realm, which is where the battle (trial) reigns. We may get bombarded with negative thoughts, scary reports, and anxiety over the loss of hope, worry, and fear.
We must apply stubborn faith to the situation; dare to believe God’s promises in His Word. God cannot lie. Either His Word is true or it is not.
God KNOWS what you are going through. He understands the struggle and the trial of your faith. And it is more precious than priceless gold to Him. He knows the trial is only for a moment and that the blessing He has in store for you will be greater than you could imagine and will last for eternity.
Trust God And His Word
From the time I received the cancer diagnosis to the time I gave birth to our beautiful daughter, was 14 years. Were there moments of doubt? Fear? Of course.
But, and this is so important…..each time one of those negative thoughts tried to show its ugly self, I immediately responded with God’s Word. From this, I gained strength and excitement knowing God never lies and that my only job was to believe Him.
I chose to trust God and His Word. I chose not to dwell on the negative. The choice is always ours.