One of my friends went through a time of spiritual testing after he was diagnosed with cancer. During this time, his faith grew, and he learned to depend more and more on the Lord. Through his illness the Lord healed broken relationships in his life and refined him like gold. If my friend could speak to you today, he would tell you this was the most difficult experience of his life, but the most valuable.
God also tests us. His tests are not written ones nor ones that we would take on a computer. God’s tests are in the laboratory of real-life experiences. If God is all knowing, why would He test us? Maybe you feel like you are being tested right now and it is not very comfortable. God’s tests are to help us on our spiritual journey. God’s promotions are often preceded by a time of testing to prepare us for what lies ahead. God like a good teacher wants us to be successful and many times trials are the best teacher.
Job was about to begin a time of testing that would stretch and refine his faith. In the end he would be a better person, but the time of testing would be a difficult journey.
Job1:9 “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. 10 “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” 12 The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. [1]
As satan goes out he begins to bring destruction upon the house of Job. Raiders came and stole his animals and killed his farm hands. Fire fell from heaven and burned up Job’s sheep and shepherds. Other raiders came and stole his camels and killed his servants. Finally, a storm hit and killed all of his children. John 10:10a says, “The thief (satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; [2]
James 1:2-4 says this about testing, “ Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. [3]
As James noted, our response to testing is to be joy. Why? Because testing builds our faith. Just as pruning a plant can lead to deeper growth, the testing of our faith can lead to a deeper, more mature faith. In the words of James, testing ultimately leads to being complete in our relationship with the Lord, lacking nothing. It is only through the work of the Holy Spirit in our life that we can appreciate the testing that comes our way and have peace and joy about it.
A second benefit of standing strong during testing is spiritual reward. Later in the chapter James 1:12 notes,“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. [4] The crown of life is promised for those who remain strong during testing.
In the Psalms, testing is often spoken of as a means of purification. In other words, testing helped to remove impurities in one’s life and strengthen one’s faith in God. We are also to expect times of testing. Maybe you are experiencing a time of testing right now. Although not always pleasant, tests help us mature in our faith, serve as an example to others, and reflect the example of Jesus.
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[1-4] The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.