Are you aware that the testing of your faith can be a good thing? James 1:2-4 (MSG) says, "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." God often tests faith? That seems against the grain. Talk of tests can conjure up images of Him giving us homework. It's easy to get confused when bad things happen, but this is not how God sees it. The way we view our faith tests is crucial because our attitude determines our outcome.

Tests of your faith are opportunities for many reasons. Among them are the following:

1. Trying times build character

The apostle Paul informs us, “There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next” (Romans 5:3-4 MSG). When God allows temptation and the testing of faith to occur to His children, he makes them better people. We will be like gold refined by fire. God is durable and valuable. We become more durable and valuable when tested. And Peter writes, "Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine" (1 Peter 1:7 MSG). Trust in God is refined by trials and tests, which is beautiful.

2. Trials build spiritual strength

Those who live a life free of challenges and problems won't grow spiritually. By facing and overcoming challenges, you build your spiritual strength and endurance.

3. We gain greater self-awareness

We learn about our flaws and weaknesses through trials. According to the Bible, we all have weaknesses and shortcomings, but hardships, problems and temptations can expose these. When things are going well, it's hard to see difficulties, trials, and temptations that can reveal these strengths and weaknesses.

4. It helps you to realize that God is faithful

“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you” (Deuteronomy 31:6 MSG). Additionally, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (MSG) says, "We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we’re not demoralized; we’re not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side; we’ve been thrown down, but we haven’t broken." During a "valley" experience, we can see that God is faithful. In His love, we can rest assured that He will always do what is best for us. 

In the testing of your faith, that rest can be a challenging place to get to initially. However, when you witness over and over again the hand of being faithful, it almost becomes second nature to be at peace.

5. Being tested builds faith

The Bible encourages us to prove our faith by being sincere and conducting ourselves properly. “Staying with it — that’s what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry, and you’ll be saved. All during this time, the good news — the Message of the kingdom — will be preached all over the world, a witness staked out in every country. And then the end will come” (Matthew 24:13-14 MSG). Do you want to demonstrate your trust in Him? “What counts is that you put up with it for God’s sake when you’re treated badly for no good reason. There’s no particular virtue in accepting punishment that you well deserve. But if you’re treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God” (1 Peter 2:19-20 MSG).

6. We can become more like Jesus

It makes you more like Jesus. In 1 Peter 4:12-13 (MSG), we read, "Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced." Jesus was tested in many ways, making Him more like His Father. He tells us in John 15:20 (MSG), "When that happens, remember this: Servants don’t get better treatment than their masters. If they beat on me, they will certainly beat on you. If they did what I told them, they will do what you tell them." So when trouble comes, don't be surprised; use it as an opportunity to grow spiritually and become more like Christ.

7. Trials develop patience in us

We live in a world where results measure everything. People want instant gratification as soon as possible. For this reason, most results measure everything that can be understood. How does patience look in practice? Can tolerance be exercised?

Different kinds of patience exist, but I believe they all stem from a deep understanding of God's power and sovereignty. Knowing that your heavenly Father has everything under control will strengthen your faith.

So, you're much more likely to go through the process with more peace and minimize self-sabotaging behaviors.

8. We can become an understanding hero

Taking the time to read Joseph's story (see Genesis 37-50) would be a good idea. His complicated yet successful life is similar to many of our own.

Would Joseph have learned so much about himself and God if his life had been easy and free of hardship? Might he have been as compassionate toward his brothers if his life had been easy and free of trouble? Would he have been so familiar with God's goodness?

Would he have been promoted to such a level that God used him to save the whole world (including his huge family) during a dire time of famine?

The testing of your faith could very well be positioning you to be used to save lives figuratively or literally. The truth is, we all seem to have this innate desire to be a hero in one way or another. That is why we typically have trouble being seen as an “underdog.” None of us were born to stay an underdog, and trials can help us rise out of that place in life.

You never know when the testing of your faith is preparing you to be a hero.

Try to keep up your hope when you’re tested

Sometimes it is hard to recognize when God gives us a chance to grow. Although trials may not be obvious, they are real nonetheless. The world is full of suffering and pain, but it is also full of growth opportunities. For believers, all things work together for our good.

Hopefully, this post inspires you to hope that there is always a reason for everything in some small way. Suffering can give us purpose (as in Joseph's example). Every time the Lord taps you on the shoulder to test your faith, hopefully you see it as an opportunity to do something bigger than yourself.

Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey

At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. You can also find out what our community’s purpose and passion are all about by checking out some of the past sermons we’ve posted on our website. 

Do you want to grow in your faith, or are you simply curious about who this Jesus guy is? You’re not alone. We encourage you to listen to our podcast series online and welcome you to come to one of our Sunday morning services in Valrico, Florida.