We often look at the Bible as a source of comfort, hope & encouragement for our daily lives. It is meant to be all of those things and more, but there are times that it is also meant to do the opposite of those things – that is when it challenges us.
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NASB)
We can usually handle a bit of correction in areas of opinion or behavior, but what about the foundational beliefs we hold? There are times when the weight of scripture begins to rattle our foundations and chip away at what we thought was sure footing, and it isn’t pleasant. It can be downright painful, but even then it is for our good. No pain no gain right?
The good news is that when our truth is challenged by God’s truth it strengthens our foundations – even if they’ve been shaken up. It is by testing our beliefs and wrestling with the word that we find out what we can be sure of. As we check for weak points in our beliefs we get to know what they’re really made of. When the heat is on, the imperfections are removed leaving us with something much stronger than we had before.
Never be afraid of a challenge to your beliefs. Put them to the test, you have nothing to lose except uncertainty. Don’t worry about the faith completely falling apart, truth can take the best we throw at it.
In His service, Jake