So rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, desire the pure spiritual milk, so that you may grow by it for your salvation, since you have tasted that the Lord is good.
1 Peter 2:1-3 HCSB
You would never expect a first grader to understand trigonometry, but you would fully expect a high school senior to at least have a general working knowledge of the subject. As Christians, we are a work in progress. We are constantly learning and growing. But, just like school, we must be there and participate and pay close attention to our teacher and follow their instructions.
We expect growth in an individual. As Christians we grow through prayer and Bible study. We are told in 2 Timothy 3:16 that all Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
When we enter into a close relationship with Jesus Christ, He wants us to grow. It is imperative that we learn and we grow. He teaches us through life experiences to trust in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us that we walk by faith and not by sight. If you are having a hard time with that one, don’t worry God doesn’t mind teaching remedial classes. He will teach you to trust in Him.
There have been a number of times the last few days when I was trying to do certain things and was running into a roadblock at every turn, but God provided. Yesterday was rough and I was worried but I realized that I am a blood bought child of God. He takes care of the birds in the sky (Matthew 6:26), and He takes care of me.
When we find ourselves in desperate situations, we run through a number of emotions such as fear, anger and frustration. But there are times when we must remember Psalm 46:10 which tells us, “Be still and know that I am God. Know that I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth.”
We need to realize that when we trust in God and put our focus on Him, He’s got His eyes on us and His arms around us. If you are trying to do the impossible, just stop. Know that He is God. If we accomplished the impossible we might tend to pat ourselves on the back and tell others to “See what I did!” But, when we are helpless and God provides, we have to give Him all the credit. When we love Him and work according to His purpose, He works all things out for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28-30).
I can honestly tell you that the last few days have felt like a training session. At times it has been way more intensive than any police training I have been through. I have been being trained to trust Him. You see, 98% of the time I trust Him. But there is that two percent of the time when I fear. I catch myself and stop myself. But, that’s not good enough. I can’t graduate with a 98%, I have to have a 100% to pass the tests. When I lack faith and fall into fear, this is a prime opportunity for God to teach me. I must be willing to learn. I must remind myself that He can do anything, nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).
My husband and I have been in class this week learning to walk by faith and not by sight. We are learning that when it’s darkest is when God’s light shines through. When all hope is lost, He is our hope. We can trust in Him.
If you have been failing your faith class, but acing your fear class, know this, God will teach us to walk by faith. Sometimes His lessons are really hard, but I have learned that the quicker we pick up on it, the quicker He lightens up on the training. Of course, there is always the refresher courses that often come as pop quizzes just when you least expect it.
God is training His soldiers, this means we must be able to pass the requirements. He requires that we walk by faith. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God. I’ve failed the faith class a few times and had to retake the class. If you don’t pick up on it, the classes get harder as you go. I pray that you are acing your faith class!
Remember we need to pay careful attention to our Teacher and follow His instructions. Oh, and don’t forget that it’s an open Book test. Read your Bible often.
Have a great day!