May 11: A Tested Faith
“I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.” John 17:14-15
Chapter 17 of John’s gospel account affords opportunity for Christ followers to listen in on His side of a heartfelt conversation between Jesus Christ and His Heavenly Father. If you are one of them, be sure to ‘eavesdrop’ on this conversation about you! Who among us does not feel encouragement at being the subject of conversers whose love and care for us is infinite?
Our finite human minds are met with a rigorous challenge upon hearing that the Source of life and the Author of salvation condescended to suffer the spiritual, emotional and physical cruelties of torture and death—even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8) all because of an indescribable love for humankind. The relationship of Jesus with His heavenly Father is a wonderful example of prayer for each of us as we encounter the trials and tribulations of living in a fallen world. He overcame them all on our behalf, yet He allows our faith to be tested.
Faith must be tested! Otherwise, it is only a theory, a wisp of smoke. But through a close relationship with the Prince of Peace, we will come to view difficulties as divine opportunities to elevate our mundane paradigm to a heavenly one. This paradigm shift is the very thing that can provide a heavy heart with an energy-boosting perspective. It may be that our manner of operating within a particular difficulty will so effectively reflect the character of our Lord that He will use it as a tool to draw others towards Himself. We must not dare think that there is any limit whatsoever to His invisible power at work in us!
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16