photo: CCO public domain
“This is a test. it is only a test of the emergency warning system.”
This reminder often comes on our TV as the system tests its warning system for tornadoes and other catastrophes. Warning systems are only good if they work. They need to be tested often to be sure they are in good working order.
This comes to mind because right about now as the worst of hurricane Matthew is pounding down on Melbourne, FL when my sister and some of her family live. We also have friends in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale where they seem to avoided the brunt of the storm.
The testing of our faith that often comes through hard times, shows whether we have any…or what kind of faith is there. Sometimes, the hard times that come, show us that the roots of our faith aren’t very deep in Christ. stop They are often bound up in things other than Jesus.
We have pretty pictures of what we want our lives to look like. What do we do when our pictures don't look like them? Share on XWe have pretty pictures of what we want our lives to look like. Our lives don’t always look like our pretty pictures. Then what do we do? Do we try to control and manipulate everyone into making the picture work out in real life? Or are we willing to trust GOD with His vision for our family and our life?
When tests come, we learn where our priorities need to be. Tests tend to clarify our view of life!
When things get changed around, sometimes turned upside-down, we find that things we once valued aren’t very important anymore. And things that we realize are very important need to be added into our lives. Making the changes is hard. The testing shows where we are deficient, where we are strong. For me, the places I thought I was strong turn out to be weaknesses.
Hanging onto Jesus is where I gain strength. I so want to be tough and strong. But I’m not. At least I’m not strong in important ways. I need Him to live in ways that are good and loving, sacrificial and caring, tender and missional.
How about you?
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,
whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Let perseverance finish its work
so that you may be mature and complete,
not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
Yes, Martha, our minds were certainly on the same wave length with this prompt. How fun!
Martha, there’s so much truth and honesty in this post. You’re right. Our faith being tested shows what kind of faith we have, and often where we’ve placed our faith.
I loved this: “The testing shows where we are deficient, where we are strong. ” When tests show where we’re deficient, we can make changes. And it can be reassuring to see where we’re strong, right? As long as it doesn’t become a pride-thing. 🙂
Great post today, friend.
thanks so much Jeanne:) glad you came by today.
Beautiful reminder, Martha. Have a wonderful weekend.
thanks maria:) glad you came by today.
thanks maria. glad you came by today:)
Wow! What an awesome reminder! It is so easy to just go limp and allow those tests in our lives to just roll right over us, leaving us feeling helpless. It requires effort for to stand up and fight back and that effort, for me, definitely comes from God.
for sure stella. glad you stopped by:)
Amen all the way! Great reminder Martha!
thanks kimberly:)
My pleasure, Martha.
Great post. I hang onto Jesus during the trials of my life too. Praying for all in the path of Hurricane Matthew.
thanks tara:) it was a relief that those i know and love in FL had less damage than they expected. sadly, the same can’t be said for haiti:( so sad! learning to hang onto jesus during hard times looks different for different people.