Is Your Faith Being Tested? Signs To Watch For

Faith is a cornerstone of religion, but it is not uncommon for believers to feel that their faith is being tested. Trials and tribulations are a certainty in life, and it is during these challenging periods that faith is truly put to the test. While it is easy to have faith when things are going smoothly, facing adversity can strengthen one's faith and bring them closer to God. Believers are encouraged to view these trials not as punishment, but as opportunities for growth and a deeper connection with the divine.

You encounter doubts

Doubt is a natural part of the human experience, and it is okay to feel overwhelmed by questions, confusion, fear, and anxiety. When your faith is being tested, it is important to remember who God is and not try to rationalize why He is.

The Bible is filled with examples of doubt. Eve doubted God’s instruction in the garden, and Abraham doubted he would have a son. Even some of the same men who walked the same ground as Jesus, who shared meals with Him, and who saw His works with their own eyes, doubted after the resurrection.

Remember, it is normal to have doubts, and you are not alone in experiencing these sentiments.

You encounter changes

Change can be exciting, but it can also be unsettling, leaving you feeling as if your life is spiralling out of control. You may relate to the Israelites, full of excitement as they set off for the Promised Land, only to find themselves in the wilderness, questioning everything.

> "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." (Exodus 14:13-14)

The silence Moses speaks of here may refer to a silence within the heart, a quietness that comes from learning to rest in God, especially amid life's changes. When struggles arise, it may be God's way of saying, "Dear Child, let's work through this together." Transitions can be a form of deliverance from the chains of bondage we may not even know exist.

When God calls you to go somewhere new, He may not tell you where. Abraham obeyed when God told him to go from Ur to an unknown place. God may be calling you to serve in a different area or to sell your house, leaving you wondering where you are going. Faith is about following God's leading without knowing your destination.

A Major Change

God may ask you to go from a place of comfort to somewhere new and unknown, just as He did with Abraham. This is what some call the "where" test. It is a test of your faith when a major change occurs in your life, and you don't know where God is taking you.

A Difficult New Task

Another test of faith is when God tells you to do something that seems impossible. This is like when God called Noah to build an ark when no one on earth had seen rain. You may not be asked to build an ark, but God may ask you to reach for an impossible dream or complete a challenging task. Faith is about facing the future without knowing what lies ahead.

You encounter suffering

Suffering is an inevitable part of life, and it is during these challenging times that our faith is truly tested. When we encounter suffering, it is an opportunity to turn to God and allow Him to guide us, strengthen us, and provide comfort.

The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 5:10 that "after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." This verse reminds us that suffering is temporary, and God will ultimately restore and strengthen us.

During times of suffering, we are invited to run to God as our rescuer and comforter. It is through these trials that our faith is refined, and we develop a deeper trust in Him. We learn to rely more fully on God and grow in our character and perseverance.

In James 1:2-4, we are encouraged to "consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." This verse teaches us that trials are opportunities for our faith to be strengthened and our character to mature.

When facing suffering, it is important to remember that God is always with us, even in the midst of our struggles. He uses these trials to shape us and draw us closer to Him. We can find comfort in the knowledge that He will never leave us or forsake us, and that our suffering is not in vain but is working for our good and His glory.

Suffering can also be an opportunity for us to share the hope and peace that we have in Christ with others. As we remain steadfast in our faith, despite our difficulties, we demonstrate the transformative power of our faith to those around us.

While it may be difficult to understand why we face suffering, we can trust that God has a purpose and that He will use our trials for our growth and His honour.

You question your faith

Questioning your faith is a natural part of the spiritual journey. It is an opportunity for growth and a stronger reliance on the Holy Spirit. It is important to remember that you are not alone in experiencing these sentiments.

When you question your faith, it is often because you are facing a challenge that requires sacrifice. For example, when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, it required him to commit to God's instruction, but also to exercise faith along the journey. This tested the heart of Abraham to see if he was truly walking by faith or not.

Another reason for questioning your faith may be that you are wrestling with the fear of the unknown. God doesn't always give a clear plan when He asks something of you. In most cases, you have little to no information on what's ahead. Forging ahead in faith, even in the midst of uncertainty, is what pleases God.

You may also be questioning your faith because you are facing a senseless loss. You are looking for an explanation, but there is none to be found. You are left asking "why?".

During these times, it is important to remember that testing your faith is an opportunity for God to work in you and demonstrate the power of His grace. It is easy to have faith when life is going smoothly, but it takes true strength and trust in God to maintain that faith when faced with trials and adversity.

In these moments, lean on God and allow Him to guide you and strengthen you. Remember that He is always with you, even in the midst of the storm, and that He is using your trials to shape you into the image of His Son. Embrace the testing of your faith, knowing that through the power of the Holy Spirit and God's Word, you will emerge stronger and more faithful than ever before.

You seek guidance

When you seek guidance, you may be experiencing a trial or tribulation that is testing your faith. It is important to remember that testing your faith is a common experience for believers. Throughout history, people have had their faith tested, including Abraham, Job, and Peter. These trials can ultimately strengthen your faith and bring you closer to God.

When facing a trial, it is crucial to lean on God and allow Him to guide and strengthen you. This is a time to embrace the testing of your faith, trusting that through the power of the Holy Spirit and God's Word, you will emerge stronger and more faithful. Remember, God is always with you, even in the midst of the storm, and He is using your trials to shape you into the image of His Son.

During these challenging times, it is essential to view them as opportunities for growth and stronger reliance on the Holy Spirit rather than as punishment or a sign of God's disapproval. Trust in God's goodness and faithfulness to guide you through any trial. Lean into prayer and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance, comfort, and strength.

Additionally, continue to hold onto your faith in God, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Remember that He is always working for your good and His glory, and through faith and perseverance, you can overcome any trial. May the power of the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you on your journey of faith.

Frequently asked questions