James 1:2-4 The Message
2Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. 3 You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. 4 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.
My thoughts today are still on these verses from James. Verse 3 in the KJV reads that "the trying of your faith." The Greek word for "trying" (KJV) or "forced" (Message) carries with it the idea of sterling quality. It carries with it the idea behind the refining of precious metal. It's a purging. The metal is heated until it is liquid and the impurities rise to the surface so that they can be scraped off. This is called purging. Iron and steel are purged so that the metal becomes strong and sturdy.
The "trying" of our faith develops patience. Various translations use the word perseverance or endurance. Have you ever grown impatient under fire? We become stronger and more steady if we allow the purging process to be completed. Our faith is stronger and more pure.We must learn to allow our trials to run their course. It's like learning to ride a bicycle. How many times did you fall before you finally were able to ride shakily in a circle? And with each turning circle became more steady? Have you ever watched a child learn to walk? How many times did that child stumble and fall? Remember the joy by all who witnessed that little toddler taking those baby steps? Don't short change God in his refining of your faith. Instead rejoice and enjoy the knowledge that He loves you too much to leave you the way you are.
We all have pressure points. God uses them to refine who we are in Him.
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