Text: James 1:1-8
Memory Verse: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (James 1:2).
The battle-tested believer is one who stands his or her ground, despite life’s challenges. He or she is able to withstand trials, temptations and tribulations without wavering in faith, understanding that such battles are necessary for him or her to remain steadfast and unshaken in faith, “knowing that tribulation produces perseverance” (Romans 5:3&4). The believer must expect a test of his or her resolve and faith at all times. The good news is that the more battles are won, the more resilient the believer becomes.
There are numerous examples of battle-tested believers in the Bible to inspire us to hold on and be strong in our faith. Job, who, despite losing all (Job 19:25,26), held on tightly to his God who did not fail him. The three Hebrew
children, who told a king that they would rather die than bow to an image, and Queen Esther who said “if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).
James says believers should count it all joy when they fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of their faith produces patience, but they should let patience have its perfect work, that they may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. In other words when battles arise, hold your ground and put your trust in the Lord for in the battles you will come out victorious and stronger. Today, ask yourself these questions, “Am I battle tested? Am I being built in theperfection that God wants of me? Am I battle ready?”
Prayer Points:
1. Father, please equip me for every battle I might need to fight to grow.
2. Father, give me the grace to be battle ready at all times.