Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing                          of Jesus Christ: I Peter 1: 6, 7

Have you ever felt heavy emotionally, mentally? This is what describes my present circumstance. It’s an environment I don’t wish to experience, yet it’s a place I am presently residing in.

I thought of those who exuded not just faith, but great faith, there’s a description of them in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews in the bible. When their faith was put on trial, they passed with flying colors. Based on their level of faith, they acted on their belief system, and God was pleased and rewarded them. Let’s not forget Jesus, who through the enemy was put on trial in Matthew chapter 4. Each time the temptation was presented, Jesus acted by giving the Word, which only makes sense as he is the Living Word of God (John chapter 1).

If Jesus was put on trial, and we are his followers, the same will happen to us. But there is something to keep in mind. In court proceedings, the prosecution and the defense each present their case, and it is the way they present it that will determine the outcome. I call it the foundation. Which side has the stronger or more firm foundation that proves the guilt or innocence of the defender? For the believer, when your faith is put on trial and goes through the fire, how firm is your foundation? What tools do you have in place that will get you through the ‘season’ of manifold temptations? As Jesus did, may I suggest the application of the Word of God. But in order to use that, you must know that, which means you must read the letters that form words, sentences, commands, and promises that are found in the bible. That book sitting and gathering dust will not help you during your trial; opening the book, reading the book, and immersing your mind and spirit in the sacred text will aid in getting through the season of heaviness. And here is the good part of it all: not only will your faith be stronger, your foundation will be firmer, and what God will bestow is blessings upon you, informing you that you have passed the test and won the trial. Be encouraged, and be strengthenized…