“But He knows the way I take; when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”
John 23:10 (NASB)
“If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.”
1 Corinthians 3:12-13 (NASB)
The test is: Do you really believe in Him? Do you only trust Him in the good times, or will you trust Him in the furnace? Your faith will be tested in the fire. James 1:2-4 (NASB) says, “Consider it all joy, my brother, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” It is really a matter of endurance. You just don’t quit. You keep believing. It doesn’t matter if you see immediate results or not. Put your trust in His word. Don’t give up, be strong. As the Father said to Joshua, “This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua1:9 (NLT).
What test are you going through? Begin now to speak His word by faith over your situation. Faith is the power to trust God, having the confidence that God will do what He says. I like what Frank DiMaggio says in his book, Seven Declarations for an Unshakable Life: “Faith is the unquestioning confidence, the full persuasion, the unwavering trust that what God has said, He is able to do and perform.”
I encourage you to speak the following declarations over your life daily:
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
“Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 (NASB)
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (NASB)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.” John 14:27 (NASB)
I hope that when you are confronted with the trials of life, you will respond with the absolute assurance that God is for you.