21st May

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over yo. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43, 2

Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1, 3

Our faith is tempered as steel

To manufacture steel we need fire but also water. Thus the test for the believer can take several forms, but the purpose of all is to forge his faith.

- The test of faith teaches us patience. Our faith is tested by any obstacle on our road. Our will is then subjugated and God's will is accepted as being good (Romans 12, 2).

- The test teaches us courage. It removes the fear of suffering step by step when we experience the grace of God which supports us. At the end of our terrestrial career, we will be able to stand upright, like good soldiers of Jesus Christ, who certainly will have the scars of the engagements, but also the glory of the victories won with him.

- The test models us and makes us living lessons for others. It shows what a life filled well with Christ can achieve. We can be a demonstration that Christ is sufficient for all the situations.

- Finally the test enables us to help others by the lessons learned during our own experience (2 Corinthians 1, 4). The Lord prepares us and uses us at our turn thus to comfort, strengthen and encourage those to whom he sends us.