Ruggedisation

Ruggedisation

The testing of your faith produces perseverance (V.3).

James 1:1-12

Reading

When computers and other hardware are being prepared for the military, they go through a testing process called “ruggedisation”. They face dangerous testing so the military personnel know they will keep working well in the harshest conditions. The testing includes the computers undergoing extreme temperatures and shockwaves from explosions. The ruggedisation makes sure the hardware is ready for the battlefield.

If that sounds a bit like the chaos and testing you’re going through in your own life, then don’t panic! God Himself, our loving Father, allows us to go through difficulties. But it’s not because He doesn’t care about us—it’s because we need to go through our own ‘ruggedisation’ to be ready to do the work He has prepared for us.

Maybe surprisingly, the Bible tells us to “consider it pure joy . . . because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (JAS. 1:2-3). Through it all, God wants us to ask Him for wisdom. Why? That we might know how to react well to our problems and show Jesus’ love throughout. He gives this wisdom “generously” to all who ask (V.5).

If life was easy, then a textbook, theory-based Christianity would be fine. But this world is dangerous, scary and full of the unexpected! As we trust God through it all, we’ll become ready to serve Him and make Him known wherever He puts us.

Thinking it over . . .

What ruggedisation are you going through right now? What are you learning about God, even during the struggle? How might you be able to make Jesus known to others during this time?

GOD ALLOWS HARD STUFF IN OUR LIVES NOT TO BREAK US BUT TO HELP US GROW.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries