Watch Your Step

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4 ESV)

Brothers and sisters, we know that the life of a Christian contains tests and trials. It is because we have been split and live in two worlds. Spiritually, we have been adopted into the family of Christ, as Paul often reminds us. Physically, we live in a world controlled by the prince of the power of the air, the evil one, the accuser… Satan.

This past week, the evil one has been working overtime. Several brothers, including myself, have faced trials and the mental accusations of the accuser.

James wrote these tests, these trials and accusations should only anchor us deeper in Christ when they come. Rejoice because you are worth testing. When others pray for us, the anguish is relieved. We are strengthened in our faith and overcome these nuisance attacks of the evil one.

We must rejoice in these trials and tribulations. We are attacked because of the strength of our faith and our service to God. The closer we get to the Lord, the more we frustrate Satan. The deeper our understanding of the Lord, the more of a threat we become to all evil.

The curtain is already being drawn back, and the warfare above is moving below. All saints rejoice with me because God controls everything. No banana peel, ice, or misstep can cause us to fall or snatch us from God's hand. We have been delivered. Praise the Lord. We at In Messiah pray constantly for the Lord’s saints here on earth. We pray that more will come to understand the gospel and know Jesus.

May the love of God, the grace of the Lord, and the advocacy of the Holy Spirit be with you this week. Put on your armor, o’ saints. Put it on and cling to the Lord, for He loves you. His love and grace are our shield and strength in the face of trials.

Grace and Peace.