Faith that Works: Times of Trial, Fruits of Faith

Too often in Christianity there is a friction between faith and works. Arguments are made over which is superior. Those who are proponents of faith, of course, tend to believe that if you simply believe anything is possible to you. Those who take issue with the extreme faith camp can actually elevate works to the degree that it seems to take precedence over faith thus magnifying our human efforts out of proper proportion.

But the arguments that lead to extremes are unnecessary when a proper evaluation of Scripture takes place. Faith and works are not at odds with one another but are loving partners in the circle of life.

When we speak of faith, we know that it comes through hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Thus, God is the author and the finisher of our faith! We also know that works are impossible except through the gift of grace that comes from God. Therefore, God is not only the author and finisher of our faith, He is also the power and initiator of our work.

Now, this does not eliminate our involvement or our importance as some would like to think. The absence of man’s participation is an idea that reduces man to a mere object without value or a form without content. While God’s superiority is vast and beyond our comprehension, He has chosen to work in and with man by allowing man the opportunity to cooperate and co-labor.

But while God is at work in human life, so is the enemy! And just as one can cooperate and co-labor with God, so too they can do the same with the enemy.

When life happens around us, we must recognize what is going on and for what reason. We must also discern who is doing what and how do I respond. It is important to consistently note that the Christian does not have to be a victim of his circumstance, but can have victory even in times of trial and testing. It is incumbent upon every follower of Christ, in particular, to use life as an opportunity to grow in grace and faith thus revealing the glory of God in the natural world.

The sad fact is that life and its challenges tend to rob us of our strength, our smile and our song!

Max Lucado, in his book – ‘In the Eye of the Storm’, told of Chippie the parakeet.

Chippie the parakeet never saw it coming. One second he was peacefully perched in his cage. The next he was sucked in, washed up, and blown over.

The problems began when Chippie’s owner decided to clean Chippie’s cage with a vacuum cleaner. She removed the attachment from the end of the hose and stuck it in the cage. The phone rang, and she turned to pick it up. She’d barely said “hello” when “ssssopp!” Chippie got sucked in.

The bird owner gasped, put down the phone, turned off the vacuum, and opened the bag. There was Chippie - still alive, but stunned.

Since the bird was covered with dust and soot, she grabbed him and raced to the bathroom, turned on the faucet, and held Chippie under the running water. Then, realizing that Chippie was soaked and shivering, she did what any compassionate bird owner would do . . . she reached for the hair dryer and blasted the pet with hot air.

Poor Chippie never knew what hit him.

A few days after the trauma, the reporter who’d initially written about the event contacted Chippie’s owner to see how the bird was recovering. “Well,” she replied, “Chippie doesn’t sing much anymore - he just sits and stares.”

It’s not hard to see why. Sucked in, washed up, and blown over . . . That’s enough to steal the song from the stoutest heart.

The phrase, ‘sucked in, washed up and blown over’ sums up how many of us feel at times. It describes the certainty of trials and feelings of powerlessness that trials bring. An Army Chaplain had a sign on his door that said,

“If you have troubles, come in and tell me all about them. If you don’t have troubles, come in and tell me how you do it.”

James reminds us of the reality that even in the Christian life, there are trials and temptations. He is very clear to communicate also that these things are not conquered by faith alone but that works are involved. Therefore to sit back and try to believe with all your heart that everything will be all right without exercising your faith is foolish. The phrase, ‘exercising your faith’ is the definition of spiritual work! It is a FAITH THAT WORKS!

When faith is at work in the life of a believer, the victim mentality goes by the wayside and a sure foundation of victory is established no matter what the circumstances may be.

So what’s in it for me? James 1:12 says,

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

When a Christian endures trials, there is compensation both for now and the future:

Now – Character, Endurance, Patience

Ahead – a Crown of Life

God doesn’t help us by removing the trials. He makes them work for our growth and maturity. Satan wants to use these trials to tear us down, but God uses them to build us up. Who are you allowing to control your growth in trials and what motivates you?

James identifies the response as Love (James 1:12). Love motivates a joyful attitude. We love God. God loves us and will not harm us. Love motivates an understanding mind. God teaches us through the trials, and we grow. Love motivates surrender of my will. When love reigns, we can surrender and obey. Love motivates belief. Love and belief go together. When you love, you trust and ask for help.

Where is your love found, God or the world? What are you trusting in the midst of trials and will it get you through? God wants us to grow when trials come. This happens when we have a FAITH that WORKS!