Rock-Solid Faith: Faith in the midst of fierce trials

Imagine your worst nightmare (death of a loved one, terminal illness, rejection). Increase it tenfold in the horror scale. What will your response be?

Now, think of the trials life has dished on your plate today. Have you ever asked these questions: What did I do to deserve this to happen to me? Why are my prayers going unanswered? Where is God and what is He doing to help me?

Last week, I had one of the worst nights of my life. It didn’t involve anyone else but me and God.
Basically, I was struggling to keep my head (my faith) afloat. I was drowning in doubt and was being pulled deeper underwater by the burden of burn out.

I will always look back to that moment and praise God for upholding me in that dark hour. Indeed, I was glad that I held on, even just barely, because God came through after all.
(Read about it here)

From that experience, I was able to glean this simple but powerful lesson:
“When you feel like giving up, don’t.”
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12


From this verse, we can derive some very interesting points to ponder on:
1. “Those who love him” are those who “persevere under trial.”
2. There is an end to the suffering. (“…when he has stood the test.”)
3. A reward will be waiting in heaven. (“…he will receive the crown of life that God has promised…”)

Continue reading here

Living Your Faith

Read Daniel 6:1-24

Power! Many desire it, few have it, and fewer yet have earned it. Whether it is power on the street corner of in the corporate office, certain people are obsessed with desire for power. Gang members use threats and violence, often resulting in death. Others fin d their path to power through lying and backstabbing as they make their corporate climb. Politicians may use mid-slinging and slander to gain powerful local, regional, or national influence.

Not much has changed since Daniel’s day. Daniel was another Hebrew exile in a high government office. Jealousy and the desire for power motivated certain men to discredit Daniel about his faith in Yahweh, the God of Israel. But a few power-hungry men out to get him did not stop Daniel from boldly living out his faith.

[Daniel] went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before (verse 10). 

Daniel had the courage to pursue the Lord despite the danger. How much should you, having the Holy Spirit living in you, courageously live out your faith before others?

Challenge for Today: Dare to be like Daniel, standing publicly for your faith.