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Ron Writes

Rarely have I seen a church endure as much hardship as we have during these past years. The variety of trials has been staggering as well. What effect has it had on us? Is it maturing our faith? How are you different?

The Bible says “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4). 

Overcoming hardships is a major theme of life. Most of us would just as soon avoid as many as possible. It’s easy to trust God when things are going well. The real test of our faith and character is how we respond when life caves in on us. Will we, with faith in God, allow it to have its godly results (Isa. 12:2)? I saw this quote on Facebook and thought it had a ring of truth, “Strong people rarely have an easy past.”

Father, hear the prayer we offer:
not for ease that prayer shall be,
but for strength, that we may ever
live our lives courageously.

Not forever by still waters
would we idly, quiet stay;
but would smite the living fountains
from the rocks along our way.

Be our strength in hours of weakness,
in our wanderings be our Guide;
through endeavor, failure, danger,
Father, be Thou at our side.

Let our path be bright or dreary,
storm or sunshine be our share;
May our souls in hope un-weary
make Thy work our ceaseless prayer

I love this song! But do we ever stop to realize what we’re singing? It takes a lot of faith to sing this song with meaning (Habakkuk 3:17-19).