For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. – James 1:3
You have heard it and possibly ignored it: “This is a test of the Emergency Broadcast System. If this had been an actual emergency… This is only a test.”
The Emergency Broadcast System was initiated in 1963 during President Kennedy’s Administration to allow the president to address the entire nation in the event of an emergency. It was later expanded to work with the FCC, FEMA, and National Weather Service, to be used for state and local emergencies as well as national ones. In it, an intentionally obnoxious multi-pitched tone precedes the familiar phrase, and the whole thing lasts 35 or 40 seconds, though it often seems longer. If an actual emergency did exist, instructions would be given by the Civil Defense or the agency in charge. All radio and television stations are required to perform the test weekly and to announce when the test is concluded, reminding the listener, “This is only a test.”
Different people face different tests in life. Some have been released from their job and are hunting for another. Others have received a negative diagnosis regarding their health and are trying to determine the appropriate next steps. There are those who have family members who are addicted or maybe even overdosed on a substance. Whatever the trial is that you face, the Lord is right there beside you. Do like David did, and receive strength from God. You can deepen your relationship with the Lord and mature in your trust in Him as you experience these tests of faith. Remember to hold fast to the One who loved you enough to die for you!
Intercede today for the believers in the president’s administration to have the assurance that their testing is temporary and that they will remain faithful.
Today’s Verse: James 1:3
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Isaiah 40:25-31
25 To whom then will you compare me,
that I should be like him? says the Holy One.
26 Lift up your eyes on high and see:
who created these?
He who brings out their host by number,
calling them all by name;
by the greatness of his might
and because he is strong in power,
not one is missing.
27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
and speak, O Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord,
and my right is disregarded by my God”?
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
