Testing Archives - Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel

Kurt Steinbrueck March 24, 2021

Special Posts, Youth Blog temptation, Testing

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Are You Ready For The Test?

Have you ever been tested?

Not as in paper tests in school but life tested? Where you had moral problems.

Being tested can be hard. It can seem like no answer helps and you are all alone.

I’m reminded of Jesus’ temptations.

The devil tempted him without letting up, and Jesus still prevailed. He offered him worldly riches and all sorts of power, but Jesus never gave in to the tests or challenges before him.

I want to send out encouragement and reminders that if Jesus resisted temptation then we can look to Him to get us through our tests.

Be well.

‘Till next time,

Terrell

Kurt Steinbrueck March 27, 2020

Blog Endurance, suffering, Testing

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Suffering is Not Good, Right? Well…

Suffering is Not Good, Right? Well...

“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,” – Philippians 1:29

When you think of the blessings of God, what do you think of?

This is a tough verse, today, isn’t it? Do you ever really think of suffering as a blessing?

If I were to have the choice, I would always select the blessings that feel good. I’d pass by the suffering options. Yet, we are blessed to not only believe but participate in Christ’s suffering. Let’s take a look at James 1:2-3.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.“

That’s pretty hard. When everything is going wrong or I’m being mistreated, joy usually isn’t the first thing I think of. Sometimes I find it helpful to imagine Jesus preparing to become incarnate, thinking of having to live for 30 years in our sinful mess, be rejected by His own creation, and then go through unimaginable pain and suffering.

Yet, Hebrews 12:2 tells us that He thought about the joy that was to come, the salvation of mankind and redemption of all creation, and set His face towards the cross. He endured the suffering knowing the joy that was to come.

Like the “suffering” of physical therapy or intense exercise, suffering and testing produce endurance and perseverance. It’s good for us. Often, it also turns out to be good for others who see us willing to suffer for Christ and continue to cling to Him. It can help to look beyond the suffering to the joy that is to come, the endurance in Christ and eternal life with Him.

Does this change your perspective on anything you are going through, now?

Dear Jesus,

When I start to complain of my suffering, remind me of Yours. When I start to get weary, remind me of the joy to come. When I get weak, remind me that when I am weak, you are strong and help me to lean on You.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck March 25, 2020

Blog Endurance, Faith, suffering, Testing, trials

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Turn Towards, Not Away

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12

What trials and tests are you facing right now?

When life’s trials come at us, it can be easy to get mad at God for causing it or letting it happen. We focus on what hurts and offends us. We forget our sin and its consequences and we forget the great mercy and grace God has shown us. As we get angry, we turn away from Him.

With each attack on our faith, we are called to endure, to turn to God rather than away from Him.

I’m reminded of Peter in John 6:68. Jesus had been teaching and some of His teachings offended the people. They walked away saying Jesus’ teachings were too hard. Jesus asked the disciples if they would leave, too.

“Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,”

Between the economy, the virus, and politics, you are likely feeling under attack right now. What better time to turn to God? What better time to lean into His arms and seek His strength and peace? He will strengthen you and raise you up on wings like an eagle. He will not leave you. He will carry you through.

Read Psalm 91:1-16.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
²I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

³For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
    and from the deadly pestilence.
⁴He will cover you with his pinions,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
⁵You will not fear the terror of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
⁶nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
    nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

⁷A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
⁸You will only look with your eyes
    and see the recompense of the wicked.

⁹Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
the Most High, who is my refuge—
¹⁰no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
no plague come near your tent.

¹¹For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways.
¹²On their hands they will bear you up,
    lest you strike your foot against a stone.
¹³You will tread on the lion and the adder;
    the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

¹⁴“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
    I will protect him, because he knows my name.
¹⁵When he calls to me, I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble;
    I will rescue him and honor him.
¹⁶With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck March 3, 2020

Blog Faith, Testing, trials

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Do You Like Tests?

Do you like tests?

“But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
My feet have closely followed his steps;
I have kept to his way without turning aside.” – Job 23:10-11

Do you like tests?

Do you like being tested?

Most people don’t like tests. Sure some tests, like the one that tells you which Marvel Superhero you are can be fun, but when we take real tests, they can cause nervousness and stress.

Does God test us?

The Bible tells us that God will never tempt us to sin, but He does test us. There’s a big difference!

Think of Abraham and Isaac (Gen 22). Abraham had no children, but God had promised to give him many descendants. Finally, long after he and his wife, Sara, should have been able to conceive, they had a son, Isaac. Then God told Abraham to sacrifice his only son. That’s a test!

Why?

Job says that God knows the way He takes because God tested him. It’s not that God didn’t know before the test. It’s that the test allowed Job and God to experience what would happen. Job grows through these tests. He’s gone through a difficult time or had to make a difficult decision and come through it faithfully. He’s more prepared for what will happen in the future.

They may not be fun to go through, but tests strengthen us. They teach us about God’s faithfulness. They help us trust.

Next time you are going through a difficult time or have a hard choice to make (maybe you are right now), rather than getting frustrated or accusing God, seek Him and His wisdom and trust that He will work through it. It may be a test. You can grow through it.

Heavenly Father,

Tests aren’t easy, but I know You work through them. I also know I need to grow. Help me to faithfully go through any tests You give. Help me to turn to You at all times, but especially when things are difficult.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Testing

Are You Ready For The Test?

Are You Ready For The Test?

Suffering is Not Good, Right? Well…

Suffering is Not Good, Right? Well...

Turn Towards, Not Away

Turn Towards, Not Away

Do You Like Tests?

Do you like tests?

Faith Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, FL serving Lutz, Zephyrhills, Land O’ Lakes, and New Tampa, FL