Are you willing to be tested for Jesus?

The reason I ask that question is that Scripture tells us we will be tested.

1 Peter 1:6-7(NKJV)

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 

that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 

People sometimes ask, why do bad things happen to good people?  How can a loving God allow that?

Well the above Scripture is one part of the answer.  Our faith will be tested.  Good times don't test our faith.  Our faith is only tested through tribulations.  Therefore bad things have to happen occasionally, even to good people to fulfill God's plan.  Does that make sense?

You see its really easy for people to talk the talk.  But only through testing do we find if those people are able to walk the walk.

So how do we make sure that our faith survives the test?  Build a relationship with Jesus.  That starts by asking Jesus to come into your life.  Have you done that yet?  If not why not do it right now?  Have a conversation with Jesus.  "Dear Jesus…."

Once you have accepted Jesus then start building that relationship.  Try to be in the Word on a very consistent basis.  I try for 5 days a week.  Sometimes life gets in the way but that is the goal.  Then go to God in prayer.  Prayer isn't just babbling at God.  Take time to just sit there quietly and listen for what God has to say to you.  The more you do it the more you will hear God speaking to you.

By doing these things, when you are tested, you will have a very real, close relationship with Jesus which will make it way easier to stand with Jesus in faith!!!