By Paul Chappell
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers
temptation; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But
let patience have her perfect work that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting
nothing."
James 1: 2-4
Although none of us want to go through times of suffering,
trials refine our faith and strengthen our testimony for Christ. A strong
testimony that honors the Lord is built as you faithfully live out God's truth
through the trials of life.
Perhaps one of the best examples from the Bible of that
principle is the life of Paul. Over and over he persevered through persecution.
As Paul arrived in the city of Antioch during his first
missionary journey, he was greeted with hostility. "But the Jews stirred
up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised
persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their
coasts" (Acts 13:50). Although Paul was expelled from Antioch, he
continued on his journey to Iconium.
As he entered Iconium, he once again faced persecution.
"But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds
evil affected against the brethren" (Acts 14:2). The people of this city
attempted to kill Paul, yet he persevered on his journey to Lystra.
Once again, Paul met another trial. The people of Lystra stoned
Paul and left him for dead. But Paul rose up and kept going in spite of the
persecution.
As Christians, we all will face persecution at some point. But
we must not allow bitterness or anger to destroy our testimony for God. Rather,
we can strengthen our testimony by trusting and praising God in spite of our
trials.
Your testimony will shine brighter than ever during the dark
times in your life. Never give up during hard times so that you, like Paul, can
say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept
the faith" (II Timothy 4:7).
Today's Rooted Principle:
A godly testimony is built as you faithfully live out God's
truth through the trials of life.
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