A Test of Spiritual Maturity

During a recent trip to Washington, DC, my precious wife pointed out this quote engraved in a newly opened memorial. Feeling greatly inspired, my camera was quickly retrieved. However, this quote should be modified with a challenge not to the stamina of man but rather an introspective view of one’s spiritual standing that stems from one’s relationship with Christ. For the ultimate test of one’s Spiritual maturity and relationship with Christ is his response to the trials of life.

How convenient it is to talk the talk and even walk the walk of a follower of Christ when the pastures are green and the waters are still. However, the ultimate test lies not amidst such times of comfort but when walking through the valley of the shadow of death. It is at those times when fear is on the rise, men’s hearts failing them, in the face of failure, when rejection is all around that the measure of one’s spiritual maturity is tested to the core. Who are you really following and for what purpose?

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We recently had the joy of hearing the testimony of a young Korean father who works in evangelism here in the United States. Five years ago, the Lord led him to this country as a missionary. With much fear and trepidation and yet a faith in the Lord and reliance upon God’s Word, he commenced a season of training for the work God had called Him to.  Two weeks into the training, great fear, discouragement, and doubt began to overwhelm his soul. Here he was, all alone in a new country, amidst new people and a new culture. How he longed to be back in the safety of his Korean comfort zone on the other side of the world. How he longed for relief. Fear and anxiety began to build. However, not knowing where to turn but unto His Lord and Savior, he cried out, and with tears streaming down his face, this young man poured out His heart to the only One who could help. And God encouraged His heart. Through the grace of God, he pressed forward against his feelings, enduring the hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. God had called Him to this work and God would lead Him through.

And to God be the glory for now five years later, hundreds of people, families,  and communities have been reached with the Gospel and many Christians and churches equipped and discipled to go forth bearing the precious seed of the Word. Why? because one man chose to press on by faith though through the pathway of adversity. This is Spiritual maturity!

What is God calling you to walk through? Press on fellow Christian! God’s will for your life will not lead you where His grace cannot keep you.