Test of faith: How challenges can help us as Christians
Have you encountered rough patches in your journey, facing the storms of work, friendships, finances, or family?
As Christians, these trials are not mere coincidences. Rather, these are deliberate tests of our faith carefully crafted by God.
At times, comprehending His reasons might prove elusive due to the limitations of human understanding.
Nevertheless, these trials play a vital role in shaping us as devout followers.
In this article, we will explore how going through a test of faith can result in several transformative blessings in your life.
What is a test of faith
A test of faith is not centered on determining your destiny in Heaven.
Instead, it refers to the trials you encounter throughout your life. These tests come in various forms—some fleeting, others enduring.
Meanwhile, some evoke emotions, and others engage your spirituality or impact you physically.
As followers of Christ, we undergo these trials, assured of triumph due to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Accordingly, the essence of a test of faith lies in your trust in God, transcending self-reliance.
Various tests of faith you may experience
As mentioned, you might go through different kinds of challenges that test your faith. These tests can touch your emotions, your beliefs, or even your body.
Here are some of them.
New task
Sometimes, you are given new tasks to do, which might be unfamiliar and demand you to step into uncharted territories of belief and determination.
However, they become opportunities for you to rely on God's guidance and strength as you navigate through unexplored avenues.
For instance, you're asked to lead a crucial presentation for a major client, requiring you to learn complex software overnight. This task requires you to quickly adapt, stay calm under pressure, and deliver a successful presentation despite unfamiliar tools.
Minor or major changes
Minor or major changes can also serve as testing grounds for your faith. These changes could be as subtle as shifts in your daily routine or as significant as life-altering events.
In the face of these changes, your faith is put to the test as you navigate the uncertainties they bring.
Suppose you have been transferred to a different city for work, requiring you to leave behind your familiar surroundings and social circle.
It tests your faith in your ability to build new relationships, adapt to a new environment, and find your place in an unfamiliar community.
Delayed answers to your prayer
Sometimes, the answers to your prayers might not arrive as swiftly as you hope, and this delay can be a test of your faith.
The waiting period can stir doubts and impatience, prompting you to question whether your prayers are truly being heard.
However, it is during these times of waiting that your faith can grow stronger as you learn to trust in God's timing and His plan for your life.
“Impossible” problem
Encountering what might seem like an "impossible" problem is yet another way your faith can be tested. These seemingly insurmountable challenges can lead you to confront your limitations and acknowledge your need for divine intervention.
As you surrender your doubts and fears to God, you'll find that what appears impossible from a human standpoint is possible through faith in Him.
Imagine facing a financial crisis where you lose your job and are drowning in debt.
The enormity of this challenge tests your faith in God's provision as you navigate through finding employment, managing expenses, and overcoming feelings of hopelessness.
Loss
Losses, whether they involve people, possessions, or opportunities, can deeply challenge your faith.
Grief and sorrow can shake your beliefs to the core, prompting you to grapple with questions of meaning and purpose.
During these times of heartache, your faith serves as an anchor, offering solace and the promise of ultimate restoration in God's plan.
Extended suffering
Extended periods of suffering can be some of the most profound tests of faith.
The persistence of pain and hardship can lead you to question God's goodness and wonder why you must endure such trials.
Through these various forms of testing, your faith has the potential to grow, deepen, and become an unshakable cornerstone in your life.
Consider dealing with a debilitating chronic illness that affects your physical abilities and forces you to give up activities you once loved.
Enduring this prolonged suffering tests your faith in finding purpose and joy despite the limitations, and in believing that your pain can be a source of growth and empathy.
Benefits of going through a test of faith
While you might be facing tests of faith, remember that these challenges can bring valuable growth and strength to your journey.
Here are some of them.
Refines your Christian character
When you face tests of faith, you have the chance to become more like Christ.
Just as gold is purified in fire, challenges refine your character, helping you to grow in virtues like love, kindness, and humility.
"But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." - Job 23:10
Builds your spiritual strength and endurance
Tests of faith act like spiritual workouts, strengthening your faith muscles over time.
Just as athletes train to build endurance, facing challenges builds your spiritual strength and resilience.
Reveals your strengths and weaknesses
Tests of faith help you understand yourself better. They reveal your strengths that you can utilize and your weaknesses that need improvement.
Through challenges, you gain insight into your capabilities.
Develops your patience
Tests of faith require patience, teaching you to wait with hope and trust. Just as a farmer waits for crops to grow, challenges teach you the value of patience and the reward it brings.
"But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." - Romans 8:25
Realize God’s faithfulness
Facing challenges allows you to experience God's faithfulness firsthand. Just as He provided for the Israelites in the desert, tests of faith reveal His unwavering support in your life.
"Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments." - Deuteronomy 7:9
Biblical characters who went through a test of faith
If you're struggling through a tough test of faith, remember that you can find encouragement by looking at various people in the Bible who faced challenges too.
Their stories can offer insights and inspiration that might help you navigate your own journey.
Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac
God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, as a test of his faith and obedience.
Despite his love for his son, Abraham was willing to obey, showing his unwavering trust in God.
Just as Abraham was about to carry out the sacrifice, God provided a ram as a substitute, proving His faithfulness.
Job’s loss
Job, a righteous man, faced immense suffering when he lost his wealth, health, and family.
Through this test, Job endured tremendous pain and questioned why he was suffering.
Despite his confusion, he remained faithful to God. In the end, God restored his fortunes, highlighting the importance of trusting God even in the midst of hardship.
A widow from Zarephath and Elijah
During a severe drought, God instructed the prophet Elijah to ask a widow from Zarephath for food.
Though she had very little, the widow obeyed and shared her last meal with Elijah.
Her act of faith and generosity resulted in God miraculously providing food for her and her household throughout the drought.
Hannah’s prayer
Hannah desperately desired a child, but she was barren.
In her distress, she poured out her heart to God in prayer, vowing to dedicate her child to Him.
Her faith and persistence moved God, and she eventually gave birth to Samuel, who became a great prophet and judge in Israel.
Emerging victorious
When facing a test of faith, avoid questioning why it is happening. Human understanding has limits.
Instead, trust God and stand firm in your faith. Through Him, you can find strength and emerge victorious.
Your perseverance will not go unrewarded, as your steadfast faith holds a promise of greater things ahead.
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