The Testing of Our Faith
By Karen D’Amore
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
James 1:2
In Greg Laurie’s book The God of the Second Chance he shares the tragic story of a car accident which took the life of his assistant pastor’s 14-year-old daughter. Greg spotlights the response of the child’s mother as she chose to cry out to God and give thanks with a grateful heart. Though grieved by her loss, her faith in the Lord enabled her to trust in His plan and thank Him for the time that she had had with her daughter. Greg was both blessed and amazed at this mother’s response.By Karen D’Amore
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
James 1:2
In another chapter he references the fact that the world watches to see how Christians respond in the face of hardship and adversity. He directs the reader’s attention to Acts 16 where Paul and Silas were thrown into prison for teaching about Jesus. In the midst of a deplorable situation they chose to sing praises to God. Impacted by their response to adversity, the Philippian jailer hungered to know their God.
Eleven years after publishing this book, Greg Laurie—author, pastor and well-known evangelist—would be called to live out the words he had preached to his readers. On the morning of July 24, 2008, Greg’s 33-year-old son Christopher was tragically killed in an automobile accident. Three weeks later, Greg fulfilled an earlier commitment to preach to over 100,000 people at a local crusade.
The headlines read, "In the midst of personal tragedy, Pastor Greg Laurie urges readers to put their faith in Christ." The articles went on to quote Greg’s message to those at the crusade: "I’m preaching to me as much as I’m preaching to you—I know God is here no matter the circumstance." Greg evangelized for three nights with a broken heart. At the same time, his faith in Jesus enabled him to preach about THE cure for a broken heart.
Greg was correct…and the world was watching to see how he would respond in the face of his personal hardship. Everyone saw in Greg the strength and comfort that only our God can give. They saw that he was trusting in God’s purpose for his pain.
As unpleasant as they are, trials are necessary to test the genuineness of our faith and to shape us into mature Christ-like believers. May we encourage one another during times of persecution, illness, suffering and sorrow to dig deep into our God and to look for His purpose in our pain.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Why is perseverance so important? What is the reward for perseverance? (See Scripture references below for more answers.)
FURTHER READING:
Romans 5:3-5; Romans 8:18; Hebrews 11:6; 2 Peter 1:5-8
Married to husband Dan, Karen manages Intrigue Salon & Spa, is the administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study, and co-leads a freshman girls’ small group.
