Word Up Ministries

December 21, 2023

Scripture:

HEBREWS 13:1-25, 1 PETER 1:1-2:3

So Be Glad

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.

‍1 Peter 1:6

My Take Aways

Something Old

“Our faith isn’t tested because God doesn’t know how much or what kind of faith we have. It is tested because we often are ignorant of how much or what kind of faith we have. God’s purpose in testing is to display the enduring quality of our faith.” – David Guzik

Faith is tested to demonstrate its:

Sincerity: Is my faith real? Weak faith is easily distracted by the things of this world.
Staying Power: Is my faith fleeting? Weak faith with walk away for things of this world.
Substance: Is my faith pure? Weak faith is watered down with the things of this world.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Romans 5:3-5

Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.
James 1:2-6 (TLB)

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