Testing the Water

The difficulties of life are intended to make us better, not bitter.
Author Unknown

James 3:11-14
Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh. Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. NASU

There is nothing better than a little pain to get to the core of belief. When there is no stress, and there is no test, many sweet things can be spoken. But, it is in the midst of life’s storms when the true mettle and content of a person can be seen, and heard, and the purpose for difficulties can be discerned.

Many conceal bitterness, and selfish ambition behind the façade of religion, but God will allow the storms to reveal the fountains, and whether they are pure, or brackish. God says that the storms reveal our true behaviors and beliefs, not the gentle breezes of life. God has determined that there will be no crown bearers in heaven that were not cross bearers on earth.

The gentleness of wisdom is in great need today. A calm, gentle and pure fountain is required to fill us with good things on our eternal journey. God wants these fountains to exist in the lives of every member of the Christian family, and He will root out those bitter springs, and expose bitter hearts through trials. As God’s Wisdom is shown in gentleness, a bitter heart is shown in bad behaviors, believe what you see…God Bless.
Pastor William