Daily Devotional
Are you in the crucible of testing?

October 2, 2018

BIBLE MEDITATION:
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. 1 Peter 4:12

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Has something bad happened to you and you said, “Oh, what did I do? I must have done something terrible. Otherwise, this wouldn’t have happened!”

And before you knew it, you fell headlong into a pity party of morbid introspection—taking yourself apart piece by piece to see where you went wrong. If you’re like most people, you have.

But have you ever thought that maybe you’ve done absolutely nothing wrong, but God is simply testing your faith? This is an important truth to understand. If you don’t, you may get discouraged. The seeds of doubt and discouragement sprout in the soil of ignorance. Remember, Jesus was tested in all points like as we are, yet without sin. Trials and hardship are a part of life in this fallen world. They aren’t a commentary on your spiritual health. But they will strengthen you, if you lean hard upon Jesus.

So as you face your trial, face it knowing it doesn't mean you’ve done something wrong or are doing something wrong if you're tempted.

ACTION POINT:
Trials and tribulations lead to endurance, and endurance leads to maturity. You see, that's what makes you strong. You grow when you work against pressure. Read Exodus 16 about the testing the Israelites experienced while they were wandering in the desert. It was testing that came from the Lord, and He had a purpose for it in their lives. Do you see an application in your own life?