Unexpected Tests

In the latest installment of our series, "Dashboard of Faith," Pastor Rob explores the "Temperature Warning" on our spiritual dashboard: Unexpected Tests.Life has a way of throwing us into high-heat situations without warning. While our natural instinct is often to panic or look for someone to blame, Pastor Rob shares how each unexpected test is actually a divine opportunity for growth. When the temperature rises, it isn't meant to destroy us, but to refine us—much like fire tests the purity of gold. Drawing from 2 Peter 1 and the story of Lazarus in John 11, this message challenges us to shift our perspective when we find ourselves in the middle of a trial. Instead of focusing on the circumstances around us, we are encouraged to navigate these moments with three specific shifts in focus:- Look In instead of Looking Out: It's easy to blame our surroundings or even the Lord when things go wrong. However, the most fruitful response is to look inward, asking God what He is teaching us and allowing Him to strengthen our character through the struggle.- Look Up instead of Looking Down: When we look down, we focus on the weight of our problems and the "blindness" of the world. When we look up, we find the power of Christ’s resurrection and a deeper fellowship with Him that only comes through difficult seasons.- Look Backward and Forward: Faith is often believing in advance what only makes sense in reverse. By looking back at God’s past faithfulness, we gain the confidence to look forward to the "great and precious promises" He has waiting for us.God has already given us everything we need for a godly life. Watch as we learn how to respond to life's unexpected tests by supplementing our faith with endurance, self-control, and love, ensuring that we become more fruitful and useful in our walk with Christ.