THROUGH THE FIRE

James instructs us to “count it all joy” when tests and trials

come our way. The Christian is to be joyful “in” the trial, and

not “because” of the trial. We can do this if we know

what the outcome will be. Paul gives us the assurance that,

“If God be for us, who can be against us” Rom. 8:31.

Tests and trials come to every believer and sometimes we

slip and fall. David tells us in Ps. 37:23,24, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.”

A similar verse in Micah 7:8 tells us, “Do not rejoice when I fall, my enemy; When I fall, I shall arise; When I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.”

Each Christian should view their tests and trials as steppingstones on their journey to becoming Christlike, and to fulfilling the call of God on their lives.

A boxer, as he climbs the ranks of his profession, will encounter a variety of challenges as he strives for the ultimate prize of a championship belt. His manager may put him in against an opponent who is tall and lanky, while the next time he will fight a guy who is short and stocky. For sure he will be put into the ring with an awkward southpaw and then with a guy who can knock a person out with either hand. How

will the young fighter react if he gets hurt and knocked down?

Will he take the ten-count or will he get back up and continue fighting? If he is determined to go all the way to the top, he will have to face and conquer all the challenges that come before him. That is what a champion is and that is what a champion does.

A champion is a person who refuses to quit, and does something about the tests and trials that come before him. Yes, sometimes a champion gets knocked down. In life we all slip and fall at one time or another. Remember, there is no shame in falling as long as you pick yourself up and continue

the fight. At the same time, Christians are told to, “Lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” Heb. 12:1.

Endurance means to hold up consistently under fire. When you get knocked down, get back up because, “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Instead it is an opportunity for you to put on the armor of

God and stand up and fight. And always remember, there is no victory where there is no war.

The prophet Isaiah says this, “When you pass through the

waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall

not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you

shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you” Is. 43:2.

Notice this verse does not say “if ” you pass through the fire,

it says “when” you pass through the fire. Satan will contest everything God wants to do for you and through you, and for sure tests and trials will come.

You must, however, understand that you are not Satan’s

punching bag. When God sees an arrow coming at you He won’t stop the arrow, but He will provide a shield for you to use against the onslaughts of the enemy Eph. 6:16.

Tests and trials are an open invitation for believers to use

their faith against whatever Satan brings their way. Sad to say, people rarely use their faith unless a demand is made on it. On the contrary, faith should be a lifestyle for all Christians,

because, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” Heb. 11:6.

If people would daily use their faith, they would not be

overcome by the wiles of the devil. 2 Cor. 5:7 says,

“For we walk by faith and not by sight.”

Let us remember: A test or trial that comes your way does not give you a reason to quit and run.

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