Hebrews 11:6
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (NKJ)
Not just any kind of faith will please God. The kind of faith that pleases God is the kind of faith that believes in Him and diligently seeks Him. Also, it is the kind of faith that is:
- Steadfast (1Cor 15:58),
- Genuine ( (1Tim 1:5) ,
- Strong (Eph 6:10),
- Active ( James 2:14)
- Growing (2 Peter 1:5)
- Tested (James 1:2)
Our faith is tested for a reason. It may shine on the surface, but when it’s tested by sorrow and affliction, it can lose its brilliance, like a fake vs. real diamond.
Trials reveal the strength or weakness of our faith.
James 1:2-4 A Tested Faith, A Receipt for Endurance
Count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations (KJ)
God doesn’t (can’t) tempt us but he allows us to be tempted to build up our faith. The trials we face help us build the kind of faith God wants.
Trials vs. Temptations. A “trial” is something that causes your faith to be under strain. Trials are a part of life. Learn to develop the right attitude in the midst of trails.
Begins with “count it all joy.”
Learn to cultivate a joyous attitude in the midst of trials. We can look ahead to heaven when there will be no more trials. Look ahead to what the trial will produce a joyous attitude.. Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross… So as he endured the cross He was looking ahead to when He would set down by his heavenly father. We need to cultivate this joyous attitude like Jesus by looking forward to heaven. Hebrews 12:11 Have to be able to look at the victory it will produce in our life. Job 23:10 After I am tried I shall come forth as gold. Realize that you can grow through the hardship.
The trials can turn into temptations by the devil if we don’t have the proper attitude. (Read the Book of Job).
James 1:3 An Understanding mind, knowing this that the testing of your faith produces patience, endurance.
“Knowing” is key word. The trials are like the friction that polishes the diamond – a chance for us to be stronger in the Lord. Phil 1:6 and Col 2:12 – God is active in our life. There is a reason why we’re facing the trial and we can grow from the hardship. Think about what the friction can do for us, they can strengthen our faith. 2Cor. 12 – Paul thorn in flesh – he became stronger when he realized God’s grace was sufficient for him. Trials have a way of weaning us from this world.
James 1:4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
The trial requires a submissive will. Don’t resist the trials, use them to become a stronger person in the Lord. Psalm 119:71 David says it’s good that he’s facing the trials which cause him to turn to God.