What do you do when life tests you? When did you experience a test in life that you remember because it was impactful? What did the Lord teach you through this experience? Sometimes we wish during Jesus was with us holding our hands in those moments.
Testing is a repeated theme throughout the Bible and our lives. The Lord has taught me to rely on Him through tests in life. Scripture tells us why we can trust the Lord during times of testing. Isaiah 26:4 Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. [1]
Nehemiah trusted the Lord When He was Tested
God given Nehemiah a heart to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, which he did with the help of many people. Nehemiah’s faithfulness and endurance was tested during rebuilding, but his testing did not end there. His enemies tried to lure Nehemiah away from Jerusalem, but the Lord gave him insight and wisdom to their motives.
Nehemiah 6:1Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies found out that I had finished rebuilding the wall and that no gaps remained—though we had not yet set up the doors in the gates. 2 So Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But I realized they were plotting to harm me, 3 so I replied by sending this message to them: “I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?” [2]
Trusting God When I am Tested
If we are willing to draw near to God while being tested, He will comfort and reassure us. The Lord uses tests of life to refine us as we depend on Him. Are you going through a time right now where life is testing you? God can use the tests of life in a positive way to refine us.
James 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. [3]
God Uses Tests of Life for Good
The tests that we go through in life may not be very enjoyable, but God can bring good out of the most difficult trials of life. If you are in a great trail of life look to the Lord to sustain you and take His hand. He will never let you down or forsake you. Psalm 55:22 Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. [4]
To hear what to do when life tests you, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/rebuilding-unfinished-hope-personal-attacks
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.