Hope for Those Facing Crisis | Faith That Can't Be Tested Can't Be Trusted
Oct 23, 2024
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Trials are the gym for our faith muscles, teaching us resilience. Adversity can lead to profound personal growth, reminding us of divine support in all times. A heartwarming story of a burn victim illustrates how pain can transform into a mission of hope for others. Life's challenges, though temporary, prepare us for a greater purpose and eternal glory. Embracing faith in Jesus is crucial for securing a lasting relationship with God, encouraging listeners to acknowledge their need for divine grace.
Trials serve to strengthen our faith and highlight our dependency on God, encouraging personal growth during challenging times.
Adversity fosters empathy and compassion, allowing individuals to support others by sharing the comfort they received in their struggles.
Deep dives
The Need for Humility and Dependence on God
Adversity often levels us and keeps us humble, reminding us of our dependence on God. In prosperous times, individuals may feel self-sufficient and forget their need for divine support, but hardships can cultivate a deeper recognition of what truly matters. For instance, the warning given to the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land cautioned them against forgetting God in times of abundance, highlighting how forgetfulness can result from comfort. Trials serve as a reminder to turn to God, especially when faced with challenges such as financial downturns or health crises.
Lessons Learned Through Trials
Trials teach eternal truths that may not be learned in comfortable circumstances, pushing individuals to confront their need for God. Pain can serve as a catalyst for spiritual growth, revealing a longing and dependence on the divine that comfort often conceals. C.S. Lewis notes that pain has the ability to remove the veil from the heart, while Randy Alcorn emphasizes that faith based on a lack of suffering is precarious and vulnerable. Therefore, the notion that a faith that cannot withstand testing cannot be trusted encourages believers to embrace challenges for their potential to build resilience.
Comforting Others Through Shared Experiences
Experiencing adversity not only strengthens personal faith but also fosters empathy and compassion towards others who are suffering. As individuals find support through their struggles, they often feel compelled to extend that same comfort to those in need, reinforcing a sense of community and shared experience. The concept that God comforts us so we can share that comfort aligns with the biblical principle found in 2 Corinthians, reminding believers that their experiences can provide solace to others. Thus, pain transforms into a tool for healing, encouraging connections and support among those facing their own trials.
Trials strengthen our faith. Just like exercise strengthens muscles, trials strengthen our faith muscles. Today, Pastor Greg Laurie points out we need to put our faith to work to show that our faith works. He says “the faith that cannot be tested is a faith that cannot be trusted. We’re glad you’re along today on A NEW BEGINNING for an important message to help us move forward in times of testing.
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A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.