Test of Faith

When looking at the life of Jesus, I see a God who loved His creation so much that He sent His son to die for our sins. Jesus was not just a man born to a woman; He was both God and man. He came to do the work of His heavenly Father and serve humanity in our weakness, through the Holy Spirit, Jesus lived a life more perfect than any human can. What I have been meditating on is when Jesus overcame human trials, particularly prior to His ministry when He was tested in the desert. We all know the story, Matthew chapter 4, the devil tempts a tired and hungry Jesus with food and riches and Jesus triumphs over the devil. We have all been tested, just like Jesus, but have we all triumphed 100% of the time?

 This New Year for me was definitely a test, and I look back now and wish I could have said “God, you are in control”, but instead I had a panic attack. Let me give you the history, on December 31^st 2012, I was scheduled to work a closing shift, that’s fine, the drive home however, not so good. While driving down the freeway something under the hood of my car began to knock, the car crawled to a stop and bam--my engine caught fire, so I ran down the freeway to gain a safe distance. While shivering in the cold, I called 911 and began watching in horror as large embers dropped from under the hood to the ground. I began to cry, hyperventilate and imagine the horrible things that just happened, my car was on fire! Once the fire department put out the fire, I breathed the biggest sigh of relief in my life. There was still plenty of damage done, and I knew I was going to pay for it, but looking back today, I have found encouragement. The mistake I made was not thanking God that I was safe, unharmed and I still made it home, the damage is manageable and God has a funny way of telling me He’s still in control!

Today, still having to see my car engine all melted away and the mechanic having to replace one thing after another, the bill just keeps getting bigger and the problem is not getting any smaller. However, God has given me a tremendous, overflowing sense of peace and comfort that He IS taking care of my needs. I cannot explain how or what I would have done if I did not know God but having that relationship where I can trust in Him for everything. He knows what I need and has always provided. I will be tested and have trials but my God will always supply.

Christina Lynn-Valencia