1. God is Refining our Faith (v.3)

We have a measure of faith
We have an enemy
We have a test to take

To prove that our faith in God is true and genuine, it must be put to the test. As fire is used to refine gold and silver, so will crisis and difficulties in life be used to refine our faith in God.

1 Pet 1:6-7

2. God is Developing Perseverance in Us (v.3)

Why is He doing that for? With perseverance, we will:

not give up no matter how tough, difficult and terrible life on earth can be
continue to trust Him and live life with no regrets
remain faithful to Him to the end
surrender our will to Him and submit to His Lordship

Matt 24:12-14; 25:21

Those who endure to the end will hear Him say,

“Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Matthew 25:21)

and not

“Depart from me, you evildoers. I never knew you.” (Matthew 7:23)

3. God is Maturing Us (v.4)

God is maturing you so that you will BE what He wants you to be and DO what He wants you to do.

A mature believer will:

pray and believe and not doubt (James 1:6)
persevere under trial and receive the crown of life (James 1:12)
guard his heart against temptation (James 1:13-18)
be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger (James 1:19)
hear the Word and do what it says (James 1:22)
look after orphans and widows (James 1:27)
keep himself from being polluted by the world (James 1:27)
not show favouritism (James 2:1–13)
show his faith by his works (James 2:14–26)
tame the tongue (James 3:1–12)
walk in godly wisdom and understanding (James 3:13–18)
not be quarrelsome (James 4:1–3)
not be unfaithful to God (James 4:4)
be submissive and humble (James 4:5–10)
not be slanderous (James 4:11–12)
not be boastful (James 4:13–17)
not be oppressive (James 5:1–6)
be patient in suffering (James 5:7–11)
not swear (James 5:12)
pray in faith (James 5:13–18)
turn a sinner from the error of their way (James 5:19–20)

We are overcomers in Christ and through every trial and difficulty, we will grow from faith to faith, from strength to strength, and from victory to victory.

What the devil intended for evil, God can turn it for good – for His glory and honour.

Rom 8:28, 35, 37-39

Whatever is happening now, may not look good, but don’t get upset with God. He knows what He is doing.

He is refining our Faith, developing perseverance in us and maturing us.

Challenge

Let God have His way in your life.
Let Him do whatever is needed to make you strong in faith.
Worship Him joyfully in spirit and in truth.
Be prepared for His soon coming
Be prepared for a harvest of souls.
Trust Him completely for your miracle.

What is God Doing Through This Crisis at Elim

1. God is Refining our Faith (v.3)

2. God is Developing Perseverance in Us (v.3)

3. God is Maturing Us (v.4)

Challenge