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The Challenge of Commitment

"...because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." James 1:3

As we consider our relationship to God, I’m reminded of a verse from the Apostle Paul’s teachings, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” 2 Corinthians 13:5

Every person will experience the trials and tribulations of dealing with the un-predictability found in life.  The reality is we live in a fallen world.  Despite the best planning and most elaborate management of our circumstances - problems that frustrate and challenge us will find their way to our doorstep.

While these moments will cause their delays, disappointments, and even derailments, they can also help build our character.   Paul tells us that the power of the Holy Spirit within us can provide the comfort and assurance we need to conquer our fears and anxieties.

Sometimes when we are dealing with a problem, we wonder if God has deserted us. For many it is easier to feel our Heavenly Father's presence during those wonderful “mountaintop experiences.” It seems we feel closer to Him at times when our hearts are joyful and life is going our way. The reality is that the Lord is with us in those deep, dark valleys.  He embraces our struggles knowing that it is when we are weakest that we can experience the depth of His love and grace.  In Psalms 25:5 we read, “Lead me in your truth and teach me. For you are the God of my salvation; on you I wait all the day.” and “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

When trembling believers begin to walk in faith, they become obedient and are able to be led, like little children, upheld by their parents’ hands. If the Lord has ordained to save you, surely He will not refuse to instruct you. It is a happy thing when we can address the Lord with the Psalmist's confidence. We receive great power in prayer and comfort during our trials.

“On you I wait all the day.” Patience is the co-partner with faith. It first takes faith to realize that God will be with us through thick and thin. Then it requires patience; the patience to see our prayers through, and to anticipate that God will, eventually, provide an answer to all of our questions.

The Three-In-One Jehovah is the Author and Perfecter of our salvation. If He is the God of our salvation, then He will give us the power and the confidence to deal with those situations before us. He will also give us the comfort to endure the trials and withstand the pressure of living in a sin-filled world.

The Frogman
The water spider is an amazing little creature. Called the frogman of the spider world, it lives in rivers and streams. How does this fascinating species survive in its watery environment? It spins a tough basket-like web of silk, a kind of diving bell, and anchors it under water to plants or other objects. Then it captures a surface air bubble, which it pulls down and injects into its underwater house, filling it with air. This combination of web-building and bubble-trapping allows the water spider to live in an environment that normally would destroy it.

As Christians, we too live in an environment that could destroy us. The world’s values, attitudes, and practices threaten to drown us unless we are able to protect ourselves from them. How are we to survive spiritually in this hostile worldly environment? While not isolating ourselves from the world, we must build a “bubble” of spiritual protection around ourselves by studying the Scriptures, praying, and fellowshipping with believers, communing with the Holy Spirit, trusting God, and obeying His Word. These activities will insulate our minds and help to keep us safe and secure.   As the water spider lives in the water but is not of the water, so we must live in but not be of the world. "They are not of the world, even as I am not of it." John 17:16

Be persistent in your prayers and patient in your expectations, as God continues to teach you in His ways. Have a great week.  Jim