Tag: faith

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Thought of the Day 8/17/2020

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” James 1:2-3

I am sure you have heard the saying: “In this world nothing can be certain, except death and taxes,” I would like to add a third to that list of certainties: Trials. Show me a person who has lived on this earth and not faced trials. Even our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lived without sin (“He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth.” 1 Peter 2:22 ESV), faced numerous trials during His life on earth. He even assured His followers that they, too, would be persecuted for preaching in His name. “”Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:16, 22 ESV)

So, we should just accept our fate that life is full of trials and curl up in a ball and wait for death then, right? No! James, the earthly brother of Jesus, who had been skeptical of His claim of being the Messiah until James saw Him resurrected from the grave, here writes to us that we should count our trials as JOY! Wait, what? When I lose my job, a loved one, or my life falls apart around me because of my profession of faith in Jesus Christ I should be joyful? Yes! In each instance where we face a trial, God is at work allowing that trial to produce steadfastness should we hold to our faith throughout the trial. Need a good example? Read Joseph’s story in Genesis 37-50. Trial after trial besieged Joseph, but he remained faithful to God and it produced a steadfastness in Joseph and worked to save many lives during a devastating famine.

So, if you are facing a trial of your own today, do not give up or lose faith! “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV)

Jessica Ford

Communications Director

ALIVE Ministries USA

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Thought of the Day 1/2/2021

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”” Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:6‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

The Israelites, in their 40 years in the desert awaiting the appointed time to enter the Promised Land, faced many enemies. Some were mighty armies that had utterly destroyed other nations. Of course it would be a natural reaction for them to fear each new foe; however, they are reminded here that God is with them each step of the way. They are admonished to “be strong and courageous” in their trust and faith in their God who has delivered them in the past from slavery in Egypt and from Pharaoh’s army at the Red Sea. God is always faithful. This applies not only to those Israelites wandering in the desert but to each and every one of us who has called on the name of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. As children of God, we can rest assured that the very God who created us goes with us each and every day and through every trial and suffering. He will never leave us or forsake us! Praise God! Are you “strong and courageous” in your faith and trusting God?

Jessica Ford

Communications Director

Alive Ministries USA

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