God allows us to be tested at times. I know that’s not pleasant theology. But we all know it’s true. Perhaps some of you who read this post are currently experiencing a test. Or perhaps, you have been tested in the past but now God has turned your test into a testimony of His faithfulness.
We can’t do anything to change the fact that God allows us to be tested at times. It does not matter how closely you walk with God. Nor how passionately you fast and pray, beg or cry. There is absolutely nothing you can do to change the fact that God allows us to be tested at times.
He never promised to shelter us from every test in our life. On the contrary, according to the Bible, we will be tested in this life. We should not see these occurrences as anomalies. Peter writes, “Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you” (1 Peter 4:12, KJV).
Who in his right mind wants to suffer? It doesn’t feel good. It’s not something you can share with others as a means of endearing God to their heart. No, going through a bad experience is no fun at all.
God Turned My Test into a Testimony
On the other hand, God can and does use the difficult times we go through for positive ends. I can personally attest to that. The most trying time of my life as a Christian was about 22 years ago during my previous pastorate. But also, it was through that experience that I grew the most in my relationship with God.
It’s just something about having to cry out to God for deliverance, direction, and answers. And having to wait on the Lord because He is your only hope. And having to stay in the Word of God to keep yourself built up in the faith.
I didn’t know what it meant to pray and fast and cry out to God until that ordeal in the ministry. A number of times I wanted to walk away from the pastorate. But I pressed my way, and in the process God took my relationship with Him to another level. In the end, became a much bolder and polished preacher of the gospel.
I won’t give anything in exchange for that difficult but priceless experience. I often share portions of my experience when I preach or write.
God Is Faithful During the Test
Also, I want you to know that when we are being tested, God is faithful. If we keep the faith, in due season, He will turn our test into a testimony of His faithfulness. “The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast,” the Bible promises us (1 Peter 5:10, NIV).
Peter was addressing our enemy the devil. He goes about seeking to destroy us. The purpose of the aforementioned verse is to underscore God’s faithfulness to us when we are being tested. And when do the spiritual benefits mentioned in the verse above occur? “After you have suffered a little while.”
Yes, during the test, God may allow us to suffer a while. But He promises to use our bad for good. In the end, He will restore us. We will be more rooted in Him. We will come out of the test better than when we entered it.
Copyright © 2022 by Frank King. All rights reserved.