Encouragement

One of my jobs in Wood Manufacturing training before I retired, was to run a testing laboratory for regular testing of manufactured wood products. This involved putting the products through various accelerated strength and durability tests that would simulate the environments in which the products would be used. Then we would measure the results to see how the wood products performed.

When God tests us through the various trials mentioned by Peter in his first book, (the verse above), it is for similar reasons. God is testing the genuineness of our faith. He is not testing it for His sake but for our sakes. We often say we trust God, but none of us know what that means until He puts us to the test. Our faith and love for God greatly increase when we discover He does answer prayer and does come in with love and support DURING AND AFTER OUR TESTS. We discover our faith in God is genuine. Not only genuine but it will eventually result in praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. So, what are some of the benefits that come out of God's process of testing us and causing us grief?

· God only tests samples. Nobody smashes all their product to make sure it complies. This could mean God only tests some parts of your life. It could also mean that God only tests some people to extremes. Like Job, his baffling tests showed God's faithfulness in support of Job to his three friends and family. We too, down the ages have learnt from Job's lesson. Yes, truly we learn from each other's trials.

· Testing proves the process is working. God has a process called discipleship. This should ensure we remain committed and close to Christ all our life. But is it working? Testing proves the strength of the invisible qualities of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

· Testing proves the excellence of the product. We are the Body of Christ and He the Head. Do we act as the Body of Christ? Do we glorify Him, and witness in our tests to the strength and character of the Saviour? "We are hard pressed …that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh." 2 Cor 4:8-11

· All testing is for the added bonus of improving the product. "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing the testing of your faith produces patience..." God loves to bring more spiritual fruit out of our lives. This only comes when our lives are disturbed and challenged. He sits as a refiner and purifier of the sons of Levi (us) that He may purge us of the dross and add lustre to our spiritual lives.

May we truly count it all joy when it happens to ourselves. May we grieve and support our brethren in prayer and with the arms of love when trials happen to them.

You have a lovely, blessed and safe week.

Kind regards in Him

Doug