Devotionals by Raul Ries
FRIDAY June 26, 2026
Tried and Tested
Blessed is the man who endures temptation….
James 1:12
James continued to address the subject of trials. We know that none of us like trials, but the fact is, Christians will face intense trials during different seasons of their lives. During this time, the devil can make us feel condemned or defeated. Some believers may begin to question whether the trials they are experiencing are due to sin in their lives. They can begin to question, “Did I do something wrong?” Satan is the author of confusion, so do not listen to his lies. James already revealed the real reason why God allows trials in our lives in James 1:2-4:
...count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
God is building genuine, Christian character in your life. Character building is necessary; otherwise, how will you be able to stand and fight in spiritual warfare? How can you take a position of leadership if you are not tried and tested?
When a sword is formed out of metal, it cannot remain soft or have any cracks or flaws. Why? When tried, it will break. It has to go through the fire as it is shaped and molded; and while still hot, it is plunged into water to temper the metal. This makes the metal hard and unbreakable. When the sword is tried in battle, it will not bend or break. In the same way, trials test us. We go through the fire, but these seasons of trial make us fit for battle. God knows we need to be unbreakable under the pressure of the enemies’ attacks.
If a Christian continues to compromise, they will fail the test. You see, when tested by trials, they were found to have a faulty character. When a believer fails the test, they will have to retake the test until they pass it. But know this: God is with you.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God....
~Isaiah 43:2-3~
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About Raul Ries
Raul Ries is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Golden Springs and President of Somebody Loves You Ministries. After his miraculous conversion in 1971, Raul began to read and study the Bible extensively even though he had a limited education. In 1974 he began a home Bible study with seven other committed individuals. Soon, he started to preach and counsel youth during the noon hour at his former high school, Baldwin Park High. Calvary Chapel West Covina grew out of Raul's home fellowship, as well as his Kung-Fu studio, and was soon meeting weekly at an old converted Safeway store. In 1993, the congregation moved to Diamond Bar and occupied a 101,000 square-foot corporate building on 28 acres. Calvary Chapel Golden Springs (as it is now called) draws between 10,000 - 12,000 in attendance weekly.
Author of several books, including Fury to Freedom (the story of his early life and dramatic conversion), Raul Ries has also produced three films: Fury to Freedom (feature film dramatization of the book); A Quiet Hope (a riveting and stirring documentary detailing seven soldier's accounts of the Vietnam War and its aftermath); and A Venture in Faith (a documentary of the history of the Calvary Chapel movement).
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