James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
The average person, when asked to speak on faith, would mention something in relation to believing God for something and receiving it. That is usually the first thing that comes to mind about faith. We think about what we want personally and how we can get it. We think this way based on Mark 11:24 which says, “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” It’s not wrong to see things from this perspective but there has to be a balance.
In this excerpt, I would want to look at the other side of the coin of faith. In the introductory scripture, the Bible speaks of the testing of our faith. In other words, faith is the main thing that is tested when it comes to our walk with God. I have said this in other excerpts on faith and would have to repeat it here as well. The devil is not interested in your money, job, business, car, house, spouse, or children. These are just the avenues he uses to get to us. The main thing he’s looking for is your faith. But he can get your attention by coming for the things listed previously. In Hebrews 11:6, we see that without faith it’s impossible to please God which means faith is the standard of measurement. Also, 1 John 5:4 speaks of the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. So, faith is the object of contention.
This is the other side of faith: Faith is not just about getting something. The more important aspect of faith is the strength you derive, the capacity you build, and the tenacity you develop through the process of faith.
By walking in faith and seeing results, you see that you were able to do something you could have sworn was impossible. By seeing that result, your mindset changes, and you are able to see that happening as possible. If we don’t understand this, weak Christians would be produced, because for them it is an ‘I must get it now’ agenda. The process is not taken into consideration.
When we look at Abraham who is known to be the father of faith, there was nothing pleasant about his journey from the beginning. He had been without a child for years and when He finally had one, God instructed him to give his son up as a sacrifice. The three Hebrew boys when they were told to bow to the gold idol at the time, refused and made a profound statement. Daniel 3:17-18 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Simply put, they said they believed God will deliver them but even if He doesn’t they would still not bow. That’s faith. Not just looking at the side where they receive God’s deliverance but also, what if the thing we are expecting never happens at the time we want it to?
Taking a look at Hebrews 11 which speaks on people of faith, we see that all of the people mentioned there took risks that were not pleasant. Even some were mocked in their day. When the Apostle Paul even stated in Philippians 4:13 that he could do all things through Christ who strengthens him, he wasn’t only talking about doing nice things. In the preceding verses, he spoke about living in abundance and having little or nothing to live on. So in essence, he was also saying I can go through challenging moments through Christ who strengthens me.
We need strength in our walk with God because it’s a journey that is described in the Scriptures as a fight, wrestling, etc. The Bible speaks of contending for the faith. To contend, you must be strong. No wonder in Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:16 says That He would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; Also, Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Ephesians 6:10. This was before He said to put on the whole armor of God. So without strength, putting on the armor would be futile.
Remember the other side of faith is the strength you derive, the capacity you build, and the tenacity you develop through the process of faith. The devil can only easily get the person who is weak.
The Word In Clarity 
This is worthy of careful meditation. Thank You very much 🙏.
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