When Faith Is Tested

What does it look like when our faith is tested. Testing is an inevitable part of the walk with Christ. There are so many accounts within the word of God, that speak directly of the testing, Starting with Adam and Eve in Genesis and ending in Revelation when all mankind will face the final test. But what do we do when we are being tested? How do we respond in those moments when the fire is hot, the accusation is loud, and the opposition is fierce?

I wish I could say that it was a mildly uncomfortable experience, but that is not the truth. The truth is it's painful, but purposeful just as it was for Jesus, so too shall it be for us. When you choose to fully follow Christ, you are agreeing to be tested. 2 Timothy 2:15 tells us " To Study to show ourselves approved and to rightly divide the word of truth". What does that mean? What if I suggest the deeper revelation of that passage correlates to the testing. You see, when our faith is tested, there is a test within a test simultaneously occuring. The testing of our hearts. We live in a fallen world, a world that has become so dark, where wickedness is applauded and kindness and humility, true humility despised. Ultimately, that's what it comes down to, our hearts. What God allows in His sovereignty, always serves a purpose, His purpose and rightly dividing the word of truth is so deeply important to the revelation that comes therein.

Abraham when tested, blindly followed the word given Him by God, leaving a comfortable existence to follow the word of God into the unknown and later blindly laying the promise, his Issac on the altar as a sacrifice, trusting that God would provide, which of course he did in the form of a ram. Jacob when tested by the word, woke up and proverbially "Chose violence" wrestling with God until daylight and defiantly declaring to God " I will not let you go until you bless me" in Genesis 32:25, clearly demonstrating stubborn faith and more importantly a stubbornly pure heart, despite Jacobs own human shortcomings. Job, well, he went through it. Stripped of everything, physically tortured by Satan himself, falsely accused by loved ones and friends, grossly misunderstood and underestimated by man, but never by God. Job's testing focused on his humility and submission to God. His righteous heart. God did not sentence Job to pain, but rather trusted him with it.

David, a man after God's own heart was hunted relentlessly by a fallen king and his armies, threatened and surrounded on all sides, was tested in his trust and endurance as was Joseph, the dreamer, who received a prophecy over his life from God himself, and was then forced to endure atrocities at the hands of others most modern people could not even conceive of. These are a mere few, in 66 books of many accounts of the testing of faith, but all foreshadow and lead to the ultimate testimony, which is that of Christ. After all, its all about Him, always will be. Christ, the word made flesh and also inscribed, the very word we read (John 1:1 ) whose test, through sacrifice and forgiveness was a test of love. Jesus himself was the greatest expression of Love this world has or ever will know, they just don't know it. And through Christ, we all are tested. To this day, Just as it was when He walked the earth, He is either loved madly or hated with passion. None of that changes the truth of who Christ is, why he came and where He sits this day. The word of truth, when rightly divided presents itself not only as a weapon, a manifesto of how to live and what's important, but also a guide to what to expect on the journey to eternity through Jesus.

I have been tested, in every way. Most recently through my identity In Christ, mostly faceless foes using modern means through, digital warfare, and paint pens but also by some more familiar to me. Some of the testing has been by Gods hands, the refiners fire, and some comprising a more sinister nature with the intention of intimidation, to cause fear, confusion and turning away from my faith and calling and the promises of God . However, because I place my life in the hands of the one who created it, I will not be moved or swayed. I rest in the knowledge that, although I may be improperly seen and reviled by a fallen world, I am seen by a SOVERIEGN God, who not only sees me, my heart and the strength of my faith but also the hearts of all men.

I believe every word The Lord has spoken. I don't just believe The Word, I believe Him. I take my cues from The Word of God, from the answers and clarity I receive through prayer and fasting, The revelations and words granted through drawing close to His love. I believe Him when He tells me the battle isn't mine but His. I believe Him when he tells me that the suffering we endure can not compare to the Glory that will be revealed through the us. I believe Him when He tells me 'If God is for us, who can be against us and I believe him when He tells me " I have given you authority to trample the serpent and scorpion: all power over the enemy and that no Harm will befall us" Luke 10:19. Rightly dividing the word of truth 2 Timothy 2:15 denotes connecting the dots between say Luke 10:19 and Ephesians 6:10-19, Psalm 91, Isaiah 54 and 62 which speaks about the battle we face... and therein lies the test of our faith and hearts. The test of my faith and heart. Following Christ, you will undoubtedly face opposition and attack, and it will assuredly test you. but God in His goodness, when you submit to him, will never let it overtake you. ( James 3:7)

Ultimately the testing of faith is anchored in our trust of God, the one who is faithful. Trust in God can only be developed through immersing yourself in the Word of God. Its in his word, you will learn His character, His nature. That is how all who came before us, were able to stand in faith, because the one who promised is faithful. The truth is, we will all stand account for the actions and words spoken throughout our life times. Paul, formerly Saul, spent his time hunting and killing the early Christians, until Jesus himself brought correction to Paul, changing his name and propelling him to his full destiny as arguably the greatest of all of the Gospel writers. Paul, at the time he was hunting Christians, was fueled by what he believed was righteous intention. He believed he was defending the faith. It took an encounter with Christ himself to shift the course of his life and focus. That same principle stand to this day. It takes an encounter with Christ to shift our focus, to open our hearts and to surrender to God, through his son Jesus, his sacrifice and His finished work on the cross.

When our faith is tested, trust must take over. Authenticity of faith, is found in the very depths of our hearts. Hebrews 4:13 says " Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him, to who we must give an account". That verse brings me untold comfort, knowing God sees everything, every musing and intention of my heart and yours. In a world full of technology that can easily be misused to misrepresent, its ever important to lean on Christ, the one who saves, so we don't find ourselves deceived by wiles and schemes of a ever roaming enemy. Christ is the light of this world, there is none greater. He is our helper and vindicator. As for me, my faith, is fueled by HOPE and anchored in TRUST. My prayer this day, is that yours is too.

God is in every detail. What a beautiful gift it is to the ones who see Him there. God bless.