By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

Tested Faith

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“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

1 Peter 1:6-7 English Standard Version

At Pioneer Cemetery in Eugene, Oregon stands a monument of a Civil War soldier surrounded by the graves of many veterans of that war.  When I see that statue, I am reminded of the courage of ordinary men who charged into the direct fire of the enemy when ordered to by their commanding officer.  The men faithfully followed their officers into a great test under fire.  Would these soldiers obey and risk their lives to win the battle?

The Apostle Peter speaks to you and me who follow our Lord Jesus Christ, who have been called to faithfully follow Him into the battle for men’s souls.  Jesus has gone before us to the cross to save those held captive by sin.  He gave up His life to open the way to the Father, to eternal life.

Now our Lord calls you and me to follow Him, to be His witnesses, to boldly proclaim His Good News, to appeal to all who are held captive by sin.  This call of Jesus may bring us under fire, under the attacks of the devil and other enemies of the Gospel.  Our faith will be tested, our trust in Christ pushed to the limits of endurance.

But it is in those difficult times when our faith in Jesus is tested that we grow closer and stronger in our relationship with Jesus.  And when we have been “under fire” together we grow closer in our love for one another also.  It is in those times of testing that we come to know and appreciate God much, much more.

Lord, be with us when we experience fiery trials and great stress.  Bind us together with you, O Lord, in those hard times and assure us of your presence in Jesus. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado