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Good Saturday morning church family,

Have you ever read a scripture and then wished you didn't read it that day? I do from time to time and I have learned that when I don't want to hear what I just read, it is that which I need to focus on.

Well, one of those areas I read on was about "TRIALS".

1 Peter 1:7 says---"These trials will show that your faith is genuine, it is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold."

Most people do not like trials, they want an easy, smooth life. In most cases, it is not realistic.

Life has trials and tests---it is a part of our growth system in the natural and spiritual.

Now, because Faith is what moves God and pleases Him, it will be trials and tests that we will be put into growth. Through the growth process we receive blessing and favor from God. So, don't be anxious when they come your way. In fact, James tells us to welcome them as "friends".

There are 4 tests that God often uses to test our faith.

I want to share 2 of them this week and Lord willing 2 more next week.

#1- The Pressure Test / Trial

This test says--How much will you handle?

Now know this, God knows how much you can handle, but the question is--How much will you handle? Will you quit, or will you say, if this came into my life, it is not to defeat me, but to make me stronger? That's on you! Will you TRUST God to use this test to take you to the next level in your life or will you crumble under it?

Ps. 50;15 says, "Call on me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver you, and you will honor me."

When you come onto tests do you turn to God, or others or other things?

#2- The People Test

God often chooses others to build up and stretch your faith. 

Now, since you now know that, don't get frustrated when people do or say things that bug you. 

So, how will you handle people that disappoint you? Know this, you probably have disappointed other people from time to time. (Am I talking to you?)

Life is often disappointing. Most disappointments have people attached to it somehow.

Without giving you a list, people disappoint us in many different ways. How have you handled those areas? When people disappoint us, know that God will not.

Jer. 17:7 says, "Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the LORD their hope and confidence,"

Memorize that, the next time someone falls short of your expectations.

 ***For this week focus on those few points and see how you handle those tests.

Much love,

Pastor G

**For tomorrow--read, Proverbs 18:21 and James 3:2-12