Allow Life's Tests to Become Your Testimonies

Have you ever wondered why life can sometimes be so hard? Perhaps you're like many who think "now that I'm a Christian, life is gonna be so much easier" only to discover that it often seems like it's actually gotten harder.

Why is there such a disconnect between our perception of how life should be and the reality of how things really are? I believe that it's partly because of our western culture that perpetuates the idea that everything should be easy. It's steeped in a fast-food, microwave it, convenience store minded society, where we can have it the way we want, when we want, with very little sacrifice. And if we get saved, well then there should never be any troubles in our lives, right? Fortunately, that is not how God operates.

In James 1:2-4 we read "whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character, ready for anything" (NLT)

In this passage, James is talking about a process of growth and development and suggests that we should welcome the storms of life. Now doesn't that sound like fun? It's not if they are gonna come, but rather whenever they come.

God's Word never promised there wouldn't be any trouble, only that He would see you through it, "I will never leave you or forsake you" Hebrews 13:5. How awesome is that? We can make it through the tests of life and rejoice because God was with us every step of the way.

So then what the is the testimony? It's our giving glory to God for bringing us through a test or trial rather than boasting about what we did. By giving glory and honor to God, we acknowledge our need for Him in our lives. Then we create a story that we can share with our unsaved family, friends, and co-workers telling them about the goodness of God.

So when your next test comes along rejoice and let your test become your testimony!

Why should you go to church?

Have you ever asked yourself the question, "why should I go to church?"

Is it because your parents used to make you go? Are you trying to earn brownie points with God? Maybe it's so that you can get things from God, kinda like a "spiritual" Santa Claus? CERTAINLY NOT!!!

We should be going to church because God loves us and wants to be part of our everyday lives.

Do you know that God accepts you just as you are, regardless of the bad things you may have done? In Fact, he loves you so much, that He sent his only son to die on the cross for us, so that we could have a relationship with Him. You are His son/daughter and He wants to bless you!

So I encourage you to be faithful to attend church. If you haven't been in a while, go back and reconnect with God and allow Him to become a priority in your life - you won't regret it!