“They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the Lord’s commands, which he had given their forefathers through Moses.” Judges 3:4
It is easier to be a Christian when everything is going well. But what happens when things do not go your way? God sends a test or allows a test, and suddenly your faith has an opportunity to come alive and go to a deeper level of dependency. Perhaps you are experiencing disappointment from a friend, an unfaithful spouse, a rebellious child, death of a loved one, a loss of your job, or your health is giving you fits.
You can rest assured a test is coming. You have either been through a test, you are in a test or you are in between tests, but they are coming, so be ready. It may be a relational test, a financial test, a physical test, a family test, a career test, or a character test, but in God’s school of faith He gives regular exams with eternal consequences.
It may be a quick and unexpected pop quiz or an anticipated and grueling final exam. The answer key is abandonment to Almighty God. Your eternal instructor is trustworthy. Humbly learn what He is teaching you, so that you can teach others and become a better follower of Christ. But what, you ask, is the purpose of these tests of faith?
Two possible reasons for God’s test of faith are to teach you how to battle the enemy and to validate your obedience to God during difficult times. Your battle is not against a person or persons. It is spiritual warfare with an unseen enemy who lurks behind any and every opportunity he can to deceive, discourage and destroy you.
Your protection against this spiritual enemy, Satan, is the “belt of truth strapped around your waist”, an “armor of righteousness”, “your feet covered in peace”, a “shield of faith”, a “helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit”, and “God’s word” (Ephesians 6:13-18). Furthermore, engage with a community of believers to cover your back with prayer. It is the believer’s preparation and posture that causes Satan to squirm and to flee.
Another reason for your test of faith could be to validate your obedience to God. Will you remain faithful to Him, even when He seems very distant and uninterested? When life is hard, will you stay mad and blame others and God for your misfortune, or will you obey Him? Do the right thing even when you don’t feel like it and God will honor your efforts.
He has a much bigger plan that doesn’t waste pain. He is looking for trophies of grace to present to those in need of Christ and for those who may be stumbling and struggling in their faith. He is looking for men and women dead to themselves and their selfish desires, but alive unto Christ. Pain positions you to be a product of the grace of God.
Yes, it may be very difficult right now, but stay true to God. He is bigger than anything or anyone who may have you down right now. Tests are temporary but trust is forever. “I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews” (Acts 20:19). Am I trusting God with this test? Will I obey well?
Related Readings: Genesis 22:1; Deuteronomy 8:2; John 6:6; 2 Corinthians 2:9
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
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