Stress Test Devotional April 27
April 27, 2024
DAY 22
Disaster is a faith test. It is also a character test. Character, like faith, is not directly measurable on a scale. But also, like faith, it emerges under pressure and in the midst of trial. It is easy to run downhill but what about uphill? It is easy to thank God for blessings, harder to endure tough times with trust and patience. It is easy to love those who reciprocate, hard to bless the angry, the critical, or the oppositional. When the Israelite girl was kidnapped and enslaved, it was a very hard test of her faith and her character. I believe character and faith are inter-related and mutually reinforcing. Faith supports character with divine power and direction and with ultimate rewards. Character expresses faith, and virtue lived out makes it easier to honor the God we seek to obey.
Often, we need God in order to be good, and always in order to be our best. Do you agree?
Have you ever felt persecuted, like the psalmist?
FAMILY TIME:
When was the last time there was conflict in the clan?
What were the stressors?
Next time, treat it as a chance to show understanding and exercise faith.
