Testing & Faith

Continuing thoughts on conflict, trials and faith . . .

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”
James 1:2,3

Faith must be like a muscle that can be trained and strengthened. We can’t lift weights or do push-ups for this muscle, however. It’s the trials we face in life that train our faith.

I often think of faith as similar to bravery. Just because someone is brave doesn’t mean they have no fear, it simply means they don’t allow the fear to interfere with their action. So with faith, having faith doesn’t mean we have no doubt, only that we don’t allow the doubt to dictate our action. We act based on the truth of God’s word.

Hebrews 11 has been called the Faith Hall of Fame. When we read the stories of the likes of Abraham who left his home, not knowing where he was going, but followed God’s lead, I’m sure he, and the others, had doubts but all we read is what they did. They followed and obeyed. We know Moses had doubts, he told God a number of times that he wasn’t up to the job. In the end though, Moses obeyed God. There were many trials along the way, but Moses’ faith increased with each one, he became a strong man of God as he watched God come through in the midst of trials time after time.

I’m beginning to see God’s wisdom in allowing trails. I’m finally starting to understand why trials and evil people are important to include in fiction. My heroes need to stretch and grow as characters, they need to discover the strength within themselves and to do that, they must be tested.

Thank you, Lord, that you don’t test us the way writers test their characters in a book. And help me to devise some evil plans against my fictional heroes. Amen.

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Mint Tea

When the stress of various trials starts to get to you, try some Green Tea with Mint. Mint settles the stomach and its aroma clears the mind.

For hot tea, simply pour near-boiling water over green tea leaves and a handful of fresh mint leaves. For iced tea, place several green tea bags and a handful of fresh mint leaves in a clear pitcher and set it out in full sun for about three hours. When the tea has brewed, remove the tea bags and mint and place the pitcher in the refrigerator.