THE FAITH ROOM --SUNDAY MESSAGE & TESTIMONY
Today I want to speak about faith—its form and its depth—from my personal experience.
There is one place where every human faith is tested. In that place, it becomes clear whether our faith is truly in God, or in close people, or in relationships within society. All of us, without exception, are tested under the roof of this one room of faith.
That phase, that room, is sickness. It is also the fear of losing someone close, or the pain of separation and passing away. In this room, every relationship is tested.
The Bible says that the testing of faith produces endurance and growth (James 1:3).
I have entered this faith room many times in my life. I truly believe that this room teaches more than any other room. Through sickness and fear of loss, we learn where true love is, where true peace lives, and where honesty, kindness, mercy, joy, and the fruit of the Spirit are found. Scripture calls these the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness (Galatians 5:22).
I remember when my mother became sick. Fear spread everywhere. Some people were genuinely afraid, and some appeared strangely joyful. Maybe my eyes misunderstood, but this is what I observed. I was surprised by how easily people judged, saying that sickness comes because of karma.
At that time, I did not know Christ, and I did not know the Bible, but I had faith in God. I believed deeply that without God’s permission, not even a leaf can move. Jesus later confirmed this truth when He said that not even a sparrow falls to the ground apart from the Father’s will (Matthew 10:29).
Naturally, my heart turned toward prayer. Prayer became my shelter. According to the faith I had then, I continued prayer, and my faith grew stronger. I made a firm commitment before God that I would not turn away. I decided to continue prayer until I heard about my mother’s health. When my father faced accidents, when family problems arose, and when fear entered our home, each time I moved closer to God. God Himself invites us to call on Him in the day of trouble, promising deliverance (Psalm 50:15).
I sowed faith, and from God I received honesty of heart. Hope returned. Faith returned. Joy and love returned. I felt deeply that God was listening. The Psalm says that those who sow in tears will reap with joy (Psalm 126:5).
Later, when my family and I faced sickness ourselves, people judged again. They spoke words about karma and causes. But I learned something important. These people became teachers. After listening to their words, either a person corrects their character or builds qualities that bring them closer to God. Scripture says that suffering often brings us back to truth and obedience (Psalm 119:67).
I do not consider such people enemies. Sometimes truth comes through uncomfortable voices. Wisdom can speak even through correction. The Bible says that wounds from a sincere voice can be trusted (Proverbs 27:6).
This understanding later matched what Paul taught. Paul said that even Gentiles, who did not have the written law, still had God’s law written in their hearts, shown through conscience and conduct (Romans 2:14–15). This explains why, even before knowing the Bible, my heart rejected false prophecy, money-based spirituality, and words that disturbed my peace. After listening to others, we begin to recognize our own character. If, after self-examination, the heart remains sincere, that itself becomes the greatest assurance. When character is clear, there is no fear of the future, no fear of shame, and no fear of people. Scripture says that integrity guides a person safely (Proverbs 11:3).
Even when I was a Gentile, I never believed people who chose money over God’s path—whether future tellers or spiritual teachers. If their words demanded money and disturbed my peace, I never accepted them. Jesus Himself said that what is given freely should never be sold (Matthew 10:8).
When I was around my early twenties, a future teller asked me to place my finger on an object and spoke words of disgrace over my life. Then he demanded money to change that destiny. Immediately, my inner voice responded: if money can change destiny, then that is not God. I refused and walked away. The Bible clearly states that God is not served by human hands as if He needed anything (Acts 17:25).
From childhood, I believed this truth: God is treasure. God does not need money. God desires honesty, obedience, and a sincere heart. Later, when I read the Bible, I realized it confirmed everything I had already lived. The Lord does not look at outward things; He looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
One verse sealed my faith completely. God says, “From ancient times I am God. No one can snatch anyone from My hand. When I act, who can reverse it?” (Isaiah 43:13). This truth explains my entire journey.
When I came into faith in Christ, old voices returned—words from childhood, voices of condemnation. But faith in God and clarity about my character helped me stand firm. Scripture reminds us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
This room of faith—sickness and pain—turns every person into a learner. Only God has the power to turn pain into peace. Not people. Not rituals. Not human words. God alone heals the brokenhearted (Psalm 147:3).
In this room, true relationships are revealed. Some close people leave. Some unexpected people stand beside you. True relationship is not defined only by blood, but by presence in pain. The Bible says that a true friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17).
Only God saves. Only God gives understanding. Only God remains faithful in every room of life—whether joy or pain. I thank God for this learning. This is not philosophy. This is lived experience.
I pray that God gives you understanding, strength, and peace. May God never leave you in any room of life. In joy and in pain, may His presence remain with you.
In the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.