Power filled Positive Thinking Chapter 17C- The Validity and Reliability Testing of Faith
When we evaluate anything in our life we search to know whether it is valid and whether it is reliable. This is true of relationships, thoughts, new ideas, inventions, items we purchase, new “breakthroughs” in science, the cars we drive, and even, the diets we choose to eat. We don’t wish to look gullible or foolish. We test things in order to find out if they really are valid and are really reliable. We want to know, “can we trust them.”
How then can I hold firm to peace when all around me there is chaos? When all my human desires lay broken and shattered at my feet, how can I move forward knowing that “all is well”? When my heart is crushed by the weight of this world’s sorrows, where do I find that fountain of joy that allows me to tenderly, genuinely smile?
Where is the power that allows me to live positively and to think positively in every situation of this life? That is what I have found in Christ. As my Savior and King, He has purchased and sealed for me a relationship with God—one that has been tested and tried throughout my lifetime and been proven both valid and reliable.
It has been through the trials that I have come to know how faithful God is. It has been through dark valleys that I have learned how to feel his presence ever with me. It has been in the silence of my loneliest and darkest nights that I have heard His gentle, soft voice whispering a word of comfort or singing a song of joy over me.
But you might ask, “Where is the proof that the gospel is true?”
That would take more than a brief morning’s writing for me to give you all the case for Christ. So for those who might wonder regarding the validity of the gospel, I urge you to read The Substance of Hope by Abdu Murray, A Case for Christ: A journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence by Lee Strobel, or Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis. Yet, let me say that for me- the validity of the gospel began when the beauty of God’s Glory shown bright enough that I as a 5 year old child desired His presence in my life and began this journey as His redeemed, beloved, and blessed Child. Did that mean that my life was suddenly free from trials? No, in fact, as I have revealed to you, it has been laden with many, many trials. Yet, in each trial I have grown closer to my heavenly Father and have learned to trust Him more. Christ told us that this earthly journey would not be easy. He told the apostles that as He prepared to die on the cross and be resurrected that they would be facing great tribulations, rejection and even death for His name. Christ then told them, “33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you]” (John 16-AMP). The world may harm or even destroy the body, but in Christ we have life and we have the victory.
Reliability? I have learned of His reliability through many trials, tribulations and sorrows. Had my faith never been tested, then I would not know that He truly is my greatest treasure, my joy, my love, and my hope. That is what David wrote about in Psalm 46. (TLB) “God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble. 2 And so we need not fear even if the world blows up and the mountains crumble into the sea. 3 Let the oceans roar and foam; let the mountains tremble! 4 There is a river of joy flowing through the city of our God—the sacred home of the God above all gods. 5 God himself is living in that city; therefore it stands unmoved despite the turmoil everywhere. He will not delay his help. 6 The nations rant and rave in anger—but when God speaks, the earth melts in submission and kingdoms totter into ruin.7 The Commander of the armies of heaven is here among us. He, the God of Jacob, has come to rescue us.8 Come, see the glorious things that our God does”
So, with great confidence as to the Validity and Reliability of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to give you the power to live a life of hope, joy and peace that will never leave you—I present to you Christ, my Savior, my Love, and my best friend. God says, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be ·praised [exalted] in all the nations; I will be praised [exalted] throughout the earth.”11 The Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; Commander of Heaven’s Armies…] is with us; the God of Jacob is our ·defender [refuge, and fortress]” (Psalm 46-EXB). I urge you to do the same—be still and know Him: His power, His might, His joy and His Love in the midst of whatever trial you may be in at the moment.
Listen to Amazing Grace as sung by Il Divo.
Amplified Bible (AMP)Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
Expanded Bible (EXB) The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
Living Bible (TLB) The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
©2015 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.