163 – They must first be tested – IV

And first, let them be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them be appointed

1 TIMOTHY 3:10 (CJB)

Yesterday, we examined some of the tests the Patriarch, Joseph, went through which are common tests for believers: the time and the forgiveness test. We will continue exploring some of the tests we go through as believers that we may be equipped to handle them when we face them.

The Trust Test: Genesis 22:1-2, Job 1 and 2.

Are you ready to live with unanswered questions? Job is an example of an individual who went through this test. He lost everything in a day and never really understood why. It is a test in which we have no idea what is going on — Nothing in your life seems to make sense. This is unfortunately the only way we would learn to trust God. We may not always see God’s hand, but even when we don’t see His hand, we can trust His heart. His thoughts towards us are good, to give us a future, hope and an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11.

How do you pass this test: We pass this test when amidst the vagueness of the situation, we find rest and can say , “God, I don’t understand, but I trust You anyway.”. To pass this test means we do not give up or seek a solution somewhere else. Isaiah 50:10-11 says Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God. [11] Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow. A person has passed this test, when they can genuinely say, like Job, though He slay me, yet will I trust Him, Job 13:13-15, Job 19:25-26.

The Vision Test: Genesis 37:19-20. (JOSEPH)

This is a test that happens when you run into resistance by people regarding your God given vision. It happens when you are seeing a vision/ revelation from the Lord, but nobody else appears to be seeing it. This is a test used by God to ensure that you know as certainly as you can that your vision is from Him and you can believe it to the point that you will endure all opposition in that regard.

How to pass this test: Nobody can take away what God has given to you unless you let them. However, if you are seeing a thing are sure it is from God, but no one else is, this might mean that the timing is not right. To pass this test, however, you must stand on His word and promises, both written and the revealed word that He will bring to pass all He has said.

Prayer for today: Lord Jesus thank you for watching over me. Lord sometimes I may not understand what you are doing, yet I choose to trust you always. Teach me to rest in Your Word, knowing that all you have promised, you will bring to pass, because You are faithful. I believe that your thoughts towards me are good. Therefore, in you, I have a future and a hope and an expected end. Amen.