The Tests of Faith

Every servant of God has to experience testing. Different tests of faith from the time we accept Jesus Christ to the current situation of our lives. Let's take time knowing what are those tests in our lives as a servant of God was, is, and about to face in our Christian journey.

May you browse first the book of Job chapter 23, verse 10 in your bible. There, Job was speaking in confidence that God knew every step of his way, he said he has to be as gold which is being tested in the fire of difficulties and will get firm even more.

Later on, we may find ourselves in the way struggled by each of the three tests of every Christians' faith. These are the Test of Distance, Test of Time, and Test of Fire.

Let's first talk about the Test of Distance. During the lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many servants of God were stuck at home and so were not able to bond with their mentors, leaders, and even with their fellow servants. That's a kind of test!

How was your spiritual life without your spiritual leader? That's when our faith was tested because our leaders cannot guide our steps of the way in actuality. We were apart from each other, then how can we remain faithful to the things she or he asked us to do for our spiritual growth, such as your devotion?

Faith requires faithfulness. For faithfulness has commitment and responsibility.

Paul said to the church in the book of 2 Corinthians 13:3, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in FAITH!" You are to do something while being away from your leaders. With or without them at your side, remain faithful in doing the will of God.

The second test of faith is the Test of Time. Because of three months and more of being at home, many of us were also tested by time. Just like the Galatians, they were led by other teachings easily. Paul said to them, "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel" (Galatians 1:6).

Just because we are incapable of being taught by our spiritual leaders, then we chose to get advice from anyone that only intended to compromise your faith (Read 2 Peter 3:4-5). We might go through believing to them instantly, so here are some of the things we can do to bring back the worth of time we first accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

STIMULATE our FAITH by having our PRAYER TIME, BIBLE READING routine, and DEVOTIONAL TIME. Also, upon reading His words, share it with others. And the very important thing is to REMAIN FAITHFUL in GIVING our TITHES and OFFERINGS. Put in mind that these are the things we can do for God because YOU and I, and GOD have a RELATIONSHIP. We must remain FAITHFUL to Him.

The last test of faith is the Test of Fire. Fire stands for DIFFICULTIES of LIFE. Have you ever come to the point of your life where you find yourself carrying the burden of the earth? Maybe yes, because not everyone is as firm as Job.

In the verse mentioned above, (Job 23:10), Job said he knew God is testing Him and he has to be like gold. Here, WE are GOLD. Why gold? Because as much as the gold is being set on fire, it glows more and is being fully refined (see in Malachi 3:3). Keep this in mind: Only those who passed the test of fire will be useful. So if we fail the test of fire which is the difficulties of life, then how can God use us more? Think about that.

My friends, consider ourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come our way, for we know that when our faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure (James 1:2-3).

Don't ever lose hope when all those tests appear in our lives, because GOD gives us WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE, and UNDERSTANDING---GIFTS FROM GOD. For what? For us to SURPASS the testing of our faith. (Read Ephesians 1:8-9, 1 Corinthians 12:8, and 1 Kings 3:9-12).

Now, God wants us to remain FAITHFUL. Set your mind of what God has done in our lives and be responsible enough to do things for His glory alone.

Always remember that tests are such a way of God to PURIFY us. It is for us to be used by Him through the course of our faith. Get up, stand firm, and be glad knowing that behind all of these testings, God is working for our good.

Thank you for your time and effort to read the message of God. May His peace continue to abound in you. Stay blessed and be a blessing too.