Cup of Christmas: Not Just a Test

Hello friend and welcome back to Strengthen Your Walk. I’m Kim Crabill. Please grab your coffee or tea and let’s sit for just a minute. Join me for today’s “Cup of Christmas.” It’s our special time to stop, be still, and prepare ourselves for what God has for us today.

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How many of you remember this: [makes buzzing sound] “This is only a test.” Do you remember that message on your TV or radio without warning? Right in the middle of maybe your favorite show, there it was.

While it was meant as a safety precaution, to ensure us that we have advance warning of a real emergency, which is good. I have to admit, it would also surprise me a little bit. Well, do you know that as believers we have another kind of advance warning? Jesus gives us a warning in John 16:33 where we read, “In this world, you will have troubles.”

He gives us that advance [makes buzzing sound] “Trials are coming!” But then He goes a step further. He offers so much hope. “But,” He says, “take heart, for I have overcome the world.”

Friends, let’s all be warned: expect some trials this Christmas. They’re coming. It might come through an annoying relative, a trip to the E.R., burnt biscuits, or stress overload. But rather than being surprised and dismissing it, why not see it as a divine opportunity and know what to do? James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy whenever you face such trials because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance so that you may be mature and complete.” This joy James is talking about is not in the pain but rather what can come from the pain: the potential of growth.

We’re not supposed to just get through what we’re going through. No, we can grow through whatever happens in our lives. We will definitely need Jesus to make this happen, but He has already promised that with every [makes buzzing sound], there’s not only a test but there’s a time to be more complete, more mature, more like the person He created us to be; more like Him.

Dear Father, I know tests and trials are a part of our lives and will be a part of my Christmas season. I’m thankful that You use them for good to make me more complete, more like You, and for all Your glory.

Friends, I’d like to thank you again for joining me. I pray this time will strengthen your walk during this beautiful Christmas season.

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