As the new year approaches we will all have those moments when we purpose in our hearts to do things “better” in 2015 than in 2014, its a vicious cycle that we all go through as each year passes. I know one of the most common is that of the “exercise demon” . . .  we all know that we need to, we all purpose to do a better job next year; because we all know that it is through a regular workout that we strengthen our bodies. The same holds true with our faith. . .  though none of us enjoy going through times of trial, it is through the exercising of our faith that it becomes strong. Each day we face that brings us to the realization we cannot control things around us but must “trust” God to handle what we cannot, exercises the faith that we have placed in Him. Each day that ends with us recognizing one more time that it is through His strength that we made it through, exercises the faith that we have placed in Him. Each time we come to a situation that we have no idea how to face forcing us to reach out to Him in prayer for answers, exercises the faith that we have placed in Him.

“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations; That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold which perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: ” (I Peter 1: 6-7)

As we look back over 2014, we become fully aware that God supplied every need that we had, He handled every situation that we brought to Him in prayer and He gave us the strength we needed no matter what came our way. Looking back we become fully aware of just how precious our “faith” in Him has become and looking forward we have the assurance that whatever we face in 2015 He will be right beside us the whole way. For it is through the trying of our faith that we come to realize just how ever present He is and just how much He supplies our ever need. If we did not have those moments during which we come to the end of ourselves and call out to Him, we would miss out on one of the most beautiful aspects of our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Just as we seek to supply the needs of our Earthly children, our Heavenly Father seeks to supply our needs when we bring them to Him. Nothing we face is “too big” for our God. . . .  and one day when we stand before Him we will look back and realized just how precious our “faith” really was. . .  and then will our joy be complete as we are able to offer it before Jesus for His praise, honour and glory.  . .”Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” (I Peter 1:8)