Encouragement for Today
 |
July 19, 2023 When Your Faith Feels Tired, Tested and Torn |
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” James 1:2-3 (NKJV)
As I sat in the doctor’s office, the doctor looked down at the test results in her lap and told me the only option for me was major surgery.
In the depths of my heart, I wanted my faith to shine without fear, but the truth is that my faith was the last thing on my heart and mind. I felt worried, anxious, and even a little angry that God would allow this to happen. Life was already full, and the thought of recovery time seemed overwhelming.
When trials come out of nowhere and test our faith, it can be frustrating to feel like the faith we thought we had isn’t enough. This is where fear and faith intersect, presenting us with a choice. Playing it safe by feeding our fear feels comfortable, but what we really need is authentic, deep faith that believes God can and will work everything out according to His plan.
Maybe you know too well what it’s like to have trial after trial pile up. It’s easy to get tired of being tested.
Diagnoses come out of nowhere.
Breakups leave us reeling.
Loved ones get sick.
Children make poor decisions.
Marriage becomes hard.
Parents pass on.
Money gets tight.
Jobs change.
Our well-crafted plans fall through yet again.
It’s difficult to find ourselves feeling tired, tested and torn up by all the things life holds.
But choosing authentic, deep faith isn’t an afterthought or a good idea that brings us “good vibes” in the midst of hard times. It’s a choice we must make before the trials pile up.
Sometimes I tend to exercise my faith by checking all the boxes. Read the Bible, pray, go to church. Check, check, check. It seems like the good things may override the bad and faith will flourish.
The truth is that just following the rules and checking boxes won’t bring us closer to Jesus. Authentic faith is found in a relationship with Jesus where we decide over and over again that He is where strength, truth, mercy, grace and help are found. It means choosing to wait on God’s timing even when it doesn’t always make sense to us.
Perhaps this is why the Apostle James said in his book, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3).
Difficult circumstances often force us to evaluate our faith. If your faith is feeling tired, tested and torn from corner to corner, you are not alone. This trial isn’t here to destroy you or take you under, causing you never to rise up again. This season is a beautiful opportunity to let your connection with Jesus flourish. Not in a list of rules but in a relationship.
That is where authentic faith is rooted.
Dear Jesus, I’m tired. I need You to strengthen my faith in the difficult circumstances I face. Help me to remember You are in complete control so that even when I don’t understand or cannot see a way out, I can know You are with me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
If you want deeper faith but you feel tired, check out Micah Maddox’s new Bible study, James: Tired, Tested, Torn, and Full of Faith. In this study, Micah compares the teaching of James with what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount (from Matthew) and the wisdom of Solomon (from Proverbs). This five-week study will help you revisit the foundation of your faith, look to God first in hard situations, and gain a fresh perspective on how to live full of faith when you feel tired and tested.
ENGAGE
Micah would love to connect with you on Instagram or Facebook. And when you opt in on her website, you can access free YouTube videos to go along with Micah’s new Bible study.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 27:14, “Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!” (NKJV).
Have you faced a trial in your life that has made you feel like your faith is lacking? How did God come through for you, or how are you waiting on Him to come through? Share about it with us in the comments.
© 2023 by Micah Maddox. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org