– Today’s Community Scripture – 11/15/2024

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.

                           James 1:2–8 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                          Faith Under Pressure

When embarking on a new Christian life, you may find that certain challenges arise which will test you. These tests can create pressure, which I view as an adverse reaction to change that needs to be understood. In our walk with Christ, we will face many adversities and challenges that will test our faith daily—sometimes even hourly, and it can feel like every minute. During these times of pressure, when we feel as though we might be crushed, stomped on, or ground down, we must pray for the strength to maintain our faith and continue the important work that we are uniquely prepared to do.

– Where do we go from here?

Think back to a day when a test or situation went so poorly that you felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to get through it. Reflect on how you eventually managed to persevere. If you truly consider that moment, you might realize that it wasn’t just your own strength that got you through; it was God making a way for you, especially as you learned to trust Him. 

This kind of testing will happen several times in your life, prompting you to either believe in God’s plan or turn away from it. The pressure we feel is a measure of our ability to handle the challenges before us. While some people may adapt quickly, others often require more time and testing early on.

Our emotions can significantly influence how we navigate these tests. Allow your heart to communicate with God through His Son, Jesus, who sacrificed Himself for all of us. When we do this, the tests we face may become a bit easier to bear.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, we are grateful for the diverse paths we have been given to fulfill the work of your Kingdom. It is an honor to rise in your presence each day and continue striving to do right. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.