Recently I read a post by a friend of mine, Rob Berg. He talked about “road-tested faith.” This got me thinking about all the stuff we have been through in the past few years. Personally, heart surgery, contracting Covid-19, death of family members. And that does not even begin to address all the challenges facing the world or the church today. Road tested faith speaks to me of having gone through some tests in life and becoming an overcomer. I am beginning to feel like I am regaining my spiritual equilibrium, along with my mental, emotional, and physical capacities. I didn’t question Who I am, Where I came from, Why am I here or Where am I going. But I did find my faith and trust in God tested. The good old days seemed to be few and far between. However, I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak, and I am reminding myself that this world is not my home. I am a citizen of heaven and a son of God. I am so grateful to have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus, who is the way, and the truth and the life. So where do we go from here?
As a kid I remember throwing stones out into the lake and watching the splash and the ripple effect, depending on the size of the rock. The lake had to be calm to see the beautiful ripples rushing outward. Well, I can say that we live in a world today where there are many things being thrown into the pond of life. And the ripple effects can be seen spreading out again and again. I believe that as we look forward to the future there are a few things that we can do as believers to be a positive influence to those around us.
· We must have the peace of God within us personally. Be still and know the Prince of Peace. Let’s remind ourselves that God is in control now and into eternity. Whatever is robbing you of peace must be brought to Jesus.
· Prayer is so important. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7).
· Where two or three are gathered… We must not forsake meeting together. Isolation is a negative affect of the ripples spreading throughout the world today.
· Unity is key. One of the chief strategies of the enemy of our souls is that of divide and conquer. We must make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Eph 4:3). Avoid disagreements, discord, strife which lead people to sin. Love the difficult. Embrace grace, not gossip. In this season there are challenges facing the church, step up and fill in the gaps, don’t disappear.
The world around us is experiencing fear in a negative ripple sense. Instead, let’s embrace the fear of God and throw some faith stones in the lake of life. Love stones, peace stones. This will give us the opportunity to be a positive influence on those we interact with. Our road-tested faith is just what the world needs to see to put their trust and faith in Jesus Christ.