The Test to Claim Me - Pop Quiz - 240

What happens when life threatens everything you love?

I start out this week's episode with my wife, Michelle's, medical journey - from severe migraines to a botched hysterectomy that nearly cost her a kidney. Through the darkest moments, our mantra became "not today, Satan," as we fought to hold tight to our faith while medical disasters compounded. This raw testimony reveals how personal crisis becomes either the breaking point or the refining fire for our deepest convictions.

Faith that remains untested is faith that remains unproven. The episode explores how Daniel from the Bible knowingly embraced tests rather than avoiding them - requesting a ten-day vegetable diet trial that would eventually elevate him in Nebuchadnezzar's court. This pattern appears throughout Scripture, where the number ten consistently represents the testing of faithfulness. When we face our cultural Babylon, do we shrink back or step forward?

A modern story from a young Christian named Chet working in Manhattan's cutthroat media industry demonstrates this principle brilliantly. When publicly humiliated for his faith by his team leader, Chet made the countercultural choice to respond with forgiveness rather than retaliation. "I've never had someone say that to me," his stunned colleague later admitted. "You actually live what you say you believe." This powerful moment opened doors for conversations that mockery never could.

The etymology of courage - from "cor" meaning heart - reveals why worship becomes our lifeline in crisis. When everything feels overwhelming, time spent in God's presence realigns our perspective and furnishes supernatural strength. As Daniel explains, "The longer you devote to Jesus, the less time you will waste being daunted by the views of others or fretting about your dilemmas."

Culture wants to claim you through tests and trials, but you don't have to surrender. Stand firm, knowing you have all you need to face whatever challenges come your way - the unshakable courage of the Lord himself.

Ready to strengthen your faith for the inevitable tests? Listen now and discover how trials become the proving ground for unshakable faith.