Tests

During a time of ministry transition, a Christian brother, who sat under my ministry, and who I highly respect, said to me “Pastor Steve, you have been severely tested, and you have passed the test.”

Believe me, the testing part was not news to me. You know better than anybody else when you are being tested. But my friend’s assessment that I had passed the testing time with flying colors blessed my heart. His observation and kind words boosted my spirit, encouraging me to step boldly forward with faith and obedience into God’s next season of ministry for me.

Our word for this week is found in Psalm 105:16-24. The Psalmist reminds us of Joseph, who, while he waited for the time when his God-given dream would come true, was tested by God’s Word. (Review Joseph’s faith journey recorded in Genesis 37-50). 

Verse 19 reads “Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him.” Psalm 105:19

Joseph, the dreamer, was tested repeatedly as he waited for his dream to come pass. Before the time of fulfillment, Joseph went through a thirteen-year period of testing.
It is interesting to note that ”the word of the Lord tested him.” What does that mean? Could it be that God Himself tested Joseph? He certainly did.
God never tempts His people. But He does test them (James 1:12-15). Knowing what is best for us, God allows us to go through testing times so that we will be found trustworthy of the dream He has given.

It is a biblical truth: testing time always precedes the time God has promised to fulfill the vision He gives us. Visionaries and dreamers are tested to see if they really believe in the dream they are dreaming and the vision they are pursuing.
So, if you have a dream, expect the Lord to test you, the dreamer. He always tests dreamers and helps them pass the tests so they will see their dreams come true.

I am amazed at how many professed Christians balk and squawk at God’s testing them. O poor me, I am going through a time of testing and trial. Something must be wrong. What did I miss? Why is God doing this to me? I do not know if I can make it through this tough time. I even heard a person who I was counseling with say “Testing sucks!”
Let me ask this question. Why shouldn’t God test us?
As our Father, He has every right to test His children. As a Teacher, He has every right to test us, His students. Tests are good for us because testing tempers us and prepares us to fulfill our purpose.
Think about testing for a moment. Our life is full of tests and testing times. We are tested before we can graduate to the next grade in school. We are tested before being granted a driver’s license. We are tested in order to be promoted on the job. People test our patience. Life tests our resolve. Circumstances test our character.

Life is one long series of testing times—life tests that we must pass if we are to go forward to success.

Every singles person listed in the Hal of Fame of Faith in Hebrews 11 was tested. These precious, courageous saints are remembered because they passed the faith test.
Testing time from the Lord is not our foe. If we do a reality check, testing time is our friend when we trust God as Lord of our lives.

• Testing time is preparation time.
• Testing time purifies our motives.
• Testing time proves our commitment.
• Testing time deepens our faith.
• Testing time tempers and seasons our character.
• Testing time reveals God’s faithfulness.
• Testing time waits around the next corner if you are moving forward.
• Testing time is never wasted time.
• Testing time will be our constant companion until we cross over to the other side.

The best news about testing time is this: God is with us, God is for us, and God works on our behalf when we are tested. He is our biggest booster and wants us to pass more than anyone else. God designs tests for us, not that we might fail, but that we might succeed.

Study ahead for God’s tests. Read, mediate on and memorize His Word. Pray for wisdom, discernment and strength. Paul tells us in I Corinthians 11:28 and II Corinthians 13: 5-6 to pass tests. Prepare your heart, spirit and mind for eventual testing times that will surely invade your space!
The test we must pass when tested is trusting that God’s Word is true. That is what Joseph did and that is what you and I must do. Faith fails if we fail the test of standing firm on the promises of God no matter what tests our Heavenly Father sends our way.
While passing the time for a dream to come true, be sure to pass the tests that come while passing the time.
If your faith is being tested at this time, are you failing or passing?
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”                             James 1:2-4​

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed with various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”                     I Peter 1:6-7


A Word For Your Week: When you are being tested, pass the test.