By: Sarah Geringer
James 1:2-3 MSG
Are you facing tests and challenges in your faith right now? I am dealing with ones I have not faced before this month. It's not the greatest way to start out the year. But the tests and challenges are worth something valuable.
In the highest-pressure moments, our true colors show. Yes, we are all human, and tend to head toward fighting, taking flight, freezing or fawning under intense stress. But when the momentary crisis subsides, our true colors come to the surface.
At certain times, my true colors of faith were murky and dull. The trials pressed upon me, and ugly things were revealed. I think we have all had times like this, when our selfishness blocks the way of better colors.
At other times, my true colors of faith were bright and vibrant. Against the darkness, my faith blazed even brighter. This is all to God's credit, who showed me how to persevere with integrity, rather than complain and wallow in self-pity.
This month, our true colors of faith can come to light in new ways. A new year brings new opportunities for faith to grow. Whether we face tests and challenges from all sides, or pressure that unbearably presses down, God will use these trials to press beautiful colors of faith from us, if we submit to his plans.
Hardship forces our faith out into the open, where it can no longer hide in the darkness. Our faith shines out not only before other people, but before angels and all the universe in the spiritual realm (1 Cor. 4:9). It's God's design to use trials to bring us to spiritual maturity. They really are for our ultimate good!
When it comes to the true colors of your faith, which ones do you want to display to the universe? Consider this:
Red of Jesus' blood covering you, saving you from sin (1 John 1:7)
Yellow of the light of the world shining through you (John 8:12)
Purple as a sign that you are now a member of God's royal family (1 Peter 2:9)
Green as a picture of new life and new hope in Christ (Rom. 15:13)
Which other colors of faith would you like to display, and why? I'd love to hear your answers in the comments below.
Looking for more encouragement? Check out all the posts I've written for Woman 2 Woman Ministries HERE.
Finding Peace in God's Word
Sarah, this is a delightful post full of encouragement! I love the idea of the colors!
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna!
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