Testing
If you were going to give yourself a grade on how much faith you have in
God, what would that grade be? Why did you give yourself that grade? Do
you think God tests our faith?
Think About It
Last time we learned that the Bible teaches followers of Jesus to consider it joy when we encounter difficulties. Now, James goes further and writes…"Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." James 1.2-3
I think the key word in this verse is “testing.” The key phrase is “the testing of your faith.” What is a test and what is the purpose of a test?
First of all, there are many different types of tests. Schools test how well we have retained and applied ourselves to the curriculum. Trade schools test are ability to build and repair. Art schools test are ability to create. Sports test our ability to compete against others while cooperating with teammates. Relationships often test our ability to love and our levels of self-respect.
The most important tests we go through have to do with our faith in God. Testing our faith is not simply a question of “how much?” but also “what kind?” Sometimes people lose faith in God if he does not do what was asked or hoped. The problem with this kind of faith is that it is attached to the wrong thing. This type of faith is about what we want God to do for us. This is a faith that makes God out to be like a big genie in the sky.
Our faith is only as good as the object of our faith.
Many say they have faith in God but what they really mean is they have faith in God for their own desires. Authentic faith seeks to know who God is and what God is about. It is a journey placing God at the center of the universe instead of self. Only when we place God in his rightful place can we pass the tests that examine our authenticity.
Once we see God where he really resides, then we can cultivate a healthy faith and relationship with him. As the center of all things, he becomes our Heavenly Father. We respect him and trust him even if it means we lose our life. But because he is a good Father, we ask him for our needs and desires. We are grateful for him regardless of the way he may or may not grant our request. We are thankful for without him we would not exist. We are joyful because in the end we can trust him because of who he is, what he has already done, and what he will do in the resurrection.
The Christian faith is not attached to this world; it is dependent on the Creator. It is about living because of God and for him. The troubles that come in life test not only the measure of our faith but also the authenticity.
Try It
Christians get better as a result of tough times because they welcome trouble like one would a friend knowing that nothing comes to us without God’s permission. Each time we are tested by trials our faith is exposed for what it really is and we can then make adjustments and grow. If you are going through a valley of difficulty, take the time to examine whether your faith is faltering.
Is your faith in the character and promises of God or in what you want him to do?
