The testing of faith

We don't need to go far in the Christian life to experience what the Bible calls the testing of our faith.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." (James 1:2-3)

Notice that the Bible ties this testing to trials we face. How do trials test our faith and what does it mean to have our faith tested?

During Brent's stay at the hospital, we experienced ups and downs. When Brent was on one of his upswings, we assumed he would continue to progress at the same rate. Then he would experience a setback and those doubts would come flooding in. Negative thoughts would attack my mind like a relentless enemy.

What I have found is that no matter how ingrained it appears to be in my heart during the times of blessing that God is good, that I am reconciled to Him through Christ and that He cares for me, during trying times doubt confronts my faith in these truths. Questions come up such as 'Does God really care for me'? If God is good, why am I suffering? Maybe God is really angry with me and judging me.

During one of these low points at the hospital, I remember sitting in the chapel praying to God. I remember becoming distracted from prayer by troubling 'what if' thoughts. As I followed these thoughts to their conclusion I began to feel embittered toward the God that I love as if he were becoming my enemy and planning my demise.

Then I began to come to my senses. First, these were only my imaginations. The 'worst scenario' I was entertaining was not something that had came to pass, it was merely in the realm of possibilty. So I was becoming disappointed with God for something that did not even take place. Why was I assuming that just because of a setback that God was not going to bring about delieverance in the end? Why was I assuming that His goodness had failed just because of the present adversity that could just as well be temporary?

I remember having to fight against the negative thoughts and say to myself, 'No! God is good. This is the faith that resides in my heart that I received from Him. He tells me to trust in him and he has not failed me.' It was a decision of faith to continue to trust in him though the present circumstance did not look good.

But you know what, God can change any circumstance in a instant. Though the clouds are big and black, it only takes a small amount of wind to blow them away to make room for the shining sun. He promises in Scripture, "call on me during the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me" (Psalm 50:15). And God was faithful. It was shortly after this that a group of Christians came to the hospital and we joined them in a time of group prayer crying out to God. Shortly after this, things began to turn around for Brent! God had not failed. We trusted and were not disappointed.

The fact is that God allows our faith to be tested to prove that it is genuine. Faith in the midst of the darkness becomes a crown in the light. Some Bible verses:

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. " (James 1:12)

"...now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
(1 Peter 1:6-7)

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And 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. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 5:8-11)

"I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I [Jesus] will give you the crown of life."
(Revelation 2:10)

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I [Jesus] have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
(Luke 22:31-32)

I need always ignore the demonic temptation thoughts that say that God is not good nor am I in his good favor. For the Lord is good and His mercy endures forever. Jesus Christ has paid the penalty for all my sins for that through faith in Him I am forgiven and reconciled to him. Any hardship that comes my way, therefore, is not the judgement of God, but the testing of my faith. By His strength and through His Spirit, He will continue to guide me into all truth and protect me from the flaming darts of doubt that Satan shoots my way until that day when we will be safe for ever in heaven.

John