Each one of us experiences tests and trials throughout life. How we face them depends on our foundation of faith. This foundation of faith isn’t dependent on how much of the Word we can quote, how often we attend church, or even how much we give; it rests in knowing God loves us.
The Foundations of Faith and Love
The foundation of love is what keeps us from getting carried away with other doctrines and beliefs. Paul warns the church at Colossae they will be carried off by ideas that ‘seem good’ if they are not firmly rooted in Him. We are in Christ, not because of anything we have done, but by the work of the cross. To grow and be firmly and deeply planted we have to seek truth by reading the Word and spending time with the Father in prayer.
As we do this, we build ourselves up. Learning His nature through the Word and experiencing it first-hand in prayer develops a deeper relationship with Him. It’s from this relationship, not knowledge, that we experience true love, joy, and peace. We become securely rooted in the truth of who we are in Christ and His love for us.
His Plan and Purpose
Tests and trials will still come, but our reaction changes. We can still hope and expect for great things because we know He has a plan and purpose for us, and our joy overflows at what God is working in us and through us. The roots we put down, or the foundation of faith and love of Christ, provide nourishment for our souls, but these roots also provide stability and strength for the storms.
Even in our weakness, we have an advocate who already won and defends us from the accuser. This is joy! We don’t have to just endure the tests and trials; we can be joyful because in Him there is always hope.
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27
Our Foundation of Peace
Christ in us the hope of glory. This powerful truth may be hard to imagine, but it’s the foundation of our peace in the trials of life. Christ didn’t take on the cross and defeat death so we would be defeated. He did so that we would live victoriously for the Kingdom.
It can be difficult to feel victorious when we experience hard times, but rooting ourselves in the love of the Father and the sacrifice of Jesus will cause our hearts to overflow with joy. Out of joy comes our thanksgiving to Him who gave all so we would live victorious.
As we carry on in this year, let us pray and seek the Lord for ways we can be thankful for this past season, and thank Him for the new things that await us.
