Test Time!

Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. James 1:2-3 NASB

There’s a scene at the end of one of the Harry Potter movies when the headmaster announces that all finals have been cancelled. Of course everyone gives out a massive cheer, people are throwing their hats in the air, and celebratory music is playing. The funny part is that Hermione can be seen frowning in disappointment.

Oh, Hermione! I relate to you so well. In school I was that annoying little know-it-all, always sticking my hand in the air when the teacher asked a question, eager to display my knowledge.

And like Hermione, I didn’t usually mind tests. I did and still do enjoy an opportunity to evaluate how well I have learned something.

These are book tests, mind you. I’m not always quite as eager for a test of skill. Depends on how much I’ve practiced, how confident I feel, and who’s watching. Karate tests, for example, can be quite unnerving. Yet I know there are some people who would much prefer a hands-on skills test than a sit-at-your-desk-and-fill-in-the-blanks test.

But there’s another kind of test that no one wants to take. A test of faith. A test of faith is always going to be unpleasant because, by definition, your faith isn’t being tested when everything is going your way. It’s only a test to see if you’ll be true to your faith when it is difficult to do so. Will I speak the truth even if I’m ridiculed (or worse)? Will I do what’s right even if it costs me something?

The early Christians had many tests of faith. They were known for turning the world upside down (Acts 17:6), and sometimes they paid a price for that. In Acts 5:41-42, after the apostles had been beaten, threatened, and released by the Jewish council, it says they departed from there “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” They passed this test of faith. They continued doing what was right in spite of the cost.

But notice also that they rejoiced. I said that no one wants to take a test of faith. I’m sure these men would rather not have endured a beating. But when it was over, they were able to rejoice in the perspective of knowing they had done what was right. Furthermore they recognized in their suffering a special kind of fellowship with the Lord Jesus himself.

If we never face any test of faith, all we can say is “I hope I would do the right thing.” After a test, we know. We’ve either passed or failed. And that is a promising moment, even if we have failed, because we have that clarity and we have the opportunity to choose to do things to strengthen our faith.

Faith is strengthened by Bible reading. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17.

Faith can be strengthened through prayer. Lord, I believe; help my unbelief! Mark 9:24

When Simon the sorcerer failed a test, he asked Peter to pray for him. Acts 8:24

I guess I liked tests in school because if I did well, it made me feel smart. But even if I didn’t do well, it showed me where I needed to study more. Maybe I don’t need to fear tests of faith quite so much. They, too, are opportunities– to find out what my faith is really made of, and as James wrote, to “produce endurance,” (1:2-3).

Besides, how many times did Jesus tell us not to be afraid?! “Perfect love casts out fear,” (1 John 4:18). By now I should be smart enough to know that it as an honor to suffer for the name of my Savior who suffered for me.

In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b

Heavenly Father, help me to be more diligent in doing what I can to increase my faith before trials come. And help me to overcome the fear I sometimes feel when I think about being persecuted. Please teach me to how to consider it all joy when my faith is tested and help me to endure. I cannot do it on my own, but I ask to be able to do it through the power of Your Holy Spirit and of Your dear Son, in whose name I pray, Amen.

by Christie Cole Atkins