“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
I do not remember anyone in school getting super excited about taking a test. Looking back, I can attest that tests were important because they measured how I was progressing in my understanding a particular subject. The goal was always to pass the test and if possible, “ace” it.
This pandemic we have been experiencing is not necessarily an intellectual test, although scientists have been befuddled in trying to figure it out. It has been, as James labels it, a “testing of your faith.” Let me ask you, “Are you passing this test?”
Crises have a way of revealing our roadblocks in our spiritual maturity journey. They bring to surface those areas in our lives where we are trusting in someone or something else rather than Jesus. In our trials, we discover what we really believe and who we really trust. Our actions, not our words, reveal those realities.
A verse that I have been “chewing on” lately is Romans 8:14. It reads, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” The primary indicator of you being a child of God is your being led by the Holy Spirit in every area of your life. This truth is challenging, convicting, and freeing.
It is challenging because it is living a totally different way than I used to live. I used to live by doing what I wanted to do or by what others were doing or by what the authorities above me told me to do (most of the time). Being Christlike means learning to be led by the Spirit even if it contradicts my previous ways and even it is contrary to the majority.
It is convicting because I realize how far I have to go to develop this discipline. To be led by the Spirit involves having a close relationship with the Holy Spirit so I can discern His voice of guidance and direction. This involves “praying without ceasing”.
It is freeing because where there the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. When you are confident that the Holy Spirit is leading you, you walk in freedom because you know you are in the center of God’s will. Jesus, by His Spirit, lives in you and goes wherever you go. This does not mean there will not be trials. Trials are necessary in the development of Christlikeness.
Let’s specifically apply these truths to the current pandemic. It has been my observation that many believers are struggling to pass this “test of faith” because fear has been granted a foothold. Being stymied by fear is not being led by the Holy Spirit. I say this not to condemn, but to help you break fear into the freedom God has for you.
I want to challenge you to take a step of faith this week; not a leap of faith, but a step of faith. If you are struggling with fear, what is one small step of faith you could take to break the stronghold of fear. If you have not gone to a store, go in for a few minutes wearing a mask. If you have yet to attend your church’s worship service in person, how about arriving a little late and leaving a little early. These are just a couple of suggestions. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you out of fear and into freedom.
Determine what this pandemic crisis is revealing about your level of trust in God. Confess that to Jesus. When the light goes on, the darkness leaves. Then make this commitment of faith, “Today, I am going to be led by the Holy Spirit. I am not going to be led by fear, anxiety, selfishness, or the world’s pattern.” God helping you, you will not only pass this test. You will ace it!