From both Apostle Paul in the book of Romans and St James, we learn that endurance through testing builds character. If you will hold on through a time of test, it will shape every area of your character and personality. It will make you a complete, fully rounded Christian.
Exposure to regular, intimate, vulnerable, close relationship/fellowship will either make you to back out or face up to what God wants to bring you thru. There is no greater test of our Christian character than close fellowship.

2 Corinthians 12:12
“When I was with you, I certainly gave you proof that I am an apostle. For I patiently did many signs and wonders and miracles among you.


KEYWORD: PATIENTLY

Apostle Paul says that the first evidence of an apostolic ministry is not miracles, signs and wonders but patience (perseverance). A true Apostle is the one who hangs on when everyone else gives up.

2 Timothy 4:9-10
“Timothy, please come as soon as you can. Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia.


The above scripture was written by Apostle Paul when his supposed support group was dwindling. Right in the end, Paul’s co workers left him in prison. What did they lack? Endurance of course!

What kind of test will we have to go through as Christians?

Remember the parable of the Sowers, where the seeds fell among the thorns?

Matthew 13:22
“The seed that feel among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.”

There are two kinds of tests a Christian might go through. When it is too hard, and when it is too easy. The first is persecution, the second is riches. Most Christians of this age cannot stand persecution and prefer to be tested by prosperity. Remember King Solomon who had it all and failed the test of prosperity. He got lured into promoting his earthly kingdom and demoting the Kingdom of God. As Christians, we need to be able to stand both tests. It is called winning the crown of life.

Historically, we are told that the early Christians faced severe persecution after the death of Stephen – (Acts 11:19). They fled to all the neighbouring territories. They kept their faith and continued to preach the Word of God to the Gentiles. News reached the church of Jerusalem, who later decided to send Barnabas to validate if the news they were hearing was true.

Act 11:23
“When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord”
Halleluyah and Amen to the Lord!


KEY PHARSE: STAY TRUE TO THE LORD.

When you make up your mind to follow Jesus Christ, you must surrender all unto him. Your Spirit, Soul, body and mind. Nothing must stop you. You are sold out for the gospel.

Moses grew up in Egypt and was destined to inherit the throne as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He had everything the world could offer. Education, wealth and social privilege. At the age of 40, He turned his back on it all. He spent the next 40 years looking after sheep in the back of the desert.
What a character!

Hebrew 11:27
“It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the King’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible”


KEYWORD: FAITH

HOW CAN WE PASS THESE TESTS OF LIFE?


We need faith in order to endure and gain victory, knowing full well that eternal glory is our reward.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18
“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image”


2 Corinthians 4:17-18
“For our present troubles are small and won’t last long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now, rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”


CONCLUSION


Stay strong in the Lord and march into the year 2013 in the glory of his might in Jesus mighty name.
God bless