Do You Want More Faith? – Michael Edwards
It is easy to have faith when everything is going great, when things go our way. But, what about when everything is going wrong, when our faith is being tested, the heat turned up being purified like gold, the dross removed. Our times of testing is the only time when our faith has the opportunity to really shine, to grow, to be perfected as we see with Habakkuk and several others in the Bible.
Habakkuk Rejoices:
Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! GOD the Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer; He makes me walk upon the heights! Hab 3:17-19 BSB
Jesus promised us that trials and tribulations would come, but He told us that in Him we can overcome them. To continually see ourselves in Him during our trials takes genuine faith, it is walking in the Spirit by faith, instead of in the flesh by sight. In the Spirit, the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) are naturally produced. These fruits are the polar opposite of the works of the flesh and or tremendous benefit in our trials.
It takes time for believers to recognize the benefits of praising God in the storm, many will never understand it. But there is great peace and power for those who walk by faith and rejoice in the Lord when all is going wrong. God’s promises are always true and when we trust and obey, even the worst of times work out for our best.
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Rom 8:28 BSB
Dear Father, give me the courage to walk by faith in every trial that I encounter. I know you are with me at all times.