Test of faith
Test of faith
Job 1:6-12; Genesis 22:1-3.
Key verse: 1 Peter 1:7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
The texts above outline a unique venture of God in the lives of two men who lived in different times, and they succeeded at demonstrating their absolute faith in God. The first was Job, a man much beloved by God as he affirmed God’s testimony of his uprightness despite a fierce predicament against him- Job 1:11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”. Job suffered a catastrophic loss of everything he possessed and fell into a great sickness that rendered him an eyesore to the people around him. The other man was Abraham, who was tasked with sacrificing his beloved son by literally killing him. He didn’t flinch or dilly-dally but set out to do it despite not having any alternative especially since his other son had been sent away at God’s command.
Both of these men’s tests were associated with losing something(s) dear to them to affirm their dependence on God and showcase their devotion to the creator rather than the creature or created things. As humans, we tend to think of ourselves as the proprietors of the things we possess and forget the fleeting nature of life itself and the elements of this life- Matthew 19:21-22 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. The early church gave us an example of a life lived in absolute dependence on God- Acts 4:32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
Another learning point from these men was that there was no preceding warning or threat if they failed this test of their faith. Even Job had no inkling of his circumstance as a showdown of the devil’s accusations. But a lot was riding on the outcome of their response as we see from God’s declaration of the successes of their tests- Job 42:12; Genesis 22:16-18.
The faith we profess and claim to believe will be tested subtly and/or publicly. It is not one you can practice or prepare for other than to ensure your firm and heartfelt devotion to God. Many think of the success of the test of their faith as depending on their anticipation and possible guess of what God might test them on, nay, the test will only reflects that for which is the true state of your heart towards God. God tests Christians in unique ways and manners, however, the test of our faith is quite different from the temptations of the flesh and the devil. Whereas the former is sent to prove our faith, the latter is an enticement of the flesh or the devil to disobey or deny God- James 1:13-14 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
The rewards of our perseverance in faith despite any opposition, tribulation, loss, or difficult unexplainable circumstances that come our way are eternal and invaluable. We must genuinely remain heart-entwined with Christ and develop capacity for strength in the place of fellowship and unbroken devotions- James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation (temptation here is used to signify test or trial); for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
