Faith Is Strengthened by Testing 

   We are tested throughout our lives.  From the time we first enter school until we graduate there will hundreds of tests to evaluate our progress and whether we are ready to move on to the next level.

   Athletes continually test themselves to improve their abilities.  Boxers have sparring partners who help them perfect their stance, their punches and defenses in the ring.  Runners compete against other runners to challenge each other to rise to the next level of performance.  Regardless the sport, tests and challenges help us grow and develop our skills.

   The challenges we face in life are what urge us to do better, to learn more, and to hone our skills.  When we are no longer challenged we begin to fall back; we no longer strive quite so hard in our efforts.  We become self-satisfied.

   Our faith life is no different.  A faith that is never tested will atrophy from lack of use and begin to fade.  We need the daily challenges, the trials, and tribulations of life; they encourage us to turn to God.  When they are the most difficult, they are the most beneficial to growing our faith.  In faith, like everything else in life, it’s far too easy to become complacent, to be lukewarm.  Jesus’ warning to the church at Laodicea serves as a warning to us as well, “So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” (Rev 3: 16)

   When the Israelites lost faith and turned from God, they suffered greatly.  The pagans asked, “Where is their God?”  When Christians lose faith because of some trial or tragedy, non-believers again ask, “Where is their God?”  When we accept the challenges that come our way with hope and trust in God, keeping, and even strengthening our faith, we can answer their question with, “He’s right here beside me.”