THE TEST BEFORE THE TESTIMONY — PART 1
Genesis 22:1–18 (KJV)
Memory Verse:
“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” — Job 23:10 (KJV)
Child of God, before many great testimonies, there are seasons of testing. Before Joseph became a ruler in Egypt, he experienced betrayal and imprisonment. Before David became king, he faced Goliath and endured persecution.
These stories teach us that difficult seasons can develop our faith, patience, and character. If God must lift a man, he must learn to remain faithful even when the process becomes difficult.
I know God is teaching every one of us and working on our mindset with this teachings including myself.
I will give us seven lessons but let us look at four lessons from the test before the testimony.
1). EVERY TEST REVEALS WHAT IS INSIDE A MAN
Deuteronomy 8:2 (KJV)
“And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.”
It is easy to trust God when everything is going well, but difficult seasons can reveal the true condition of our hearts.
When prayers seem delayed or opportunities do not come as expected, our reactions reveal areas where our faith needs to grow.
Abraham demonstrated his faith when God tested him concerning Isaac, the son of promise (Genesis 22:1–18). His obedience showed that his trust in God went beyond the blessing he had received.
Child of God, the test is not only about what you are passing through; it can also reveal what needs to change within you.
2). THE TEST MAY COME IN THE AREA OF YOUR GREATEST PROMISE
Genesis 22:2 (KJV)
“And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.”
Isaac was Abraham’s long-awaited son and the child through whom God had promised to establish his descendants. Yet Abraham faced a test that challenged his understanding of God’s promise.
Sometimes, our faith is challenged in areas that matter deeply to us, such as our careers, relationships, ambitions, and expectations.
The lesson is that we must trust God even when we do not fully understand our circumstances. We must also be willing to surrender our plans to His wisdom.
This does not mean every painful experience is a test from God. Rather, it reminds us to keep our trust in Him regardless of what we face.
Never allow the blessing you desire to become more important than the God you serve.
3). THE TEST OFTEN HAPPENS IN SECRET BEFORE THE TESTIMONY APPEARS IN PUBLIC
1 Samuel 17:34–37 (KJV)
Before David faced Goliath, he had been faithfully tending his father’s sheep. While others did not see him as a warrior, he was learning courage and developing confidence in God’s ability to deliver him.
When Goliath appeared, David remembered how God had delivered him from the lion and the bear.
His private experiences helped prepare him for a public challenge.
In the same way, do not despise seasons when nobody recognises your efforts. Use those moments to grow spiritually, develop your abilities, and become more faithful in your responsibilities.
If you desire to lead, learn to serve. If you desire to teach, learn the Word. If you desire greater opportunities, prepare yourself to handle them responsibly.
Do not allow your desire for public recognition to make you careless with your private preparation.
4). YOUR RESPONSE TO THE TEST MATTERS SIR
James 1:2–4 (KJV)
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
Difficult experiences do not automatically make us better; how we respond to them matters.
Joseph was betrayed, falsely accused, and imprisoned, yet he continued to act responsibly and use the abilities God had given him.
Instead of allowing his circumstances to destroy his character, Joseph remained faithful.
When you face disappointment, resist bitterness. When opportunities delay, remain diligent. When people mistreat you, do not allow their actions to turn you into someone who compromises integrity. Do you understand this?
Ask God for wisdom to learn from your experiences and strength to remain faithful through them.
You may not control every situation you face, but with God’s help, you can choose a response that honours Him. A RESPONSE THAT HONORS HIM!. The general superintendent taught me this!
Child of God, These are the lessons that MUST STAY WITH YOU MOVING FORWARD
- Difficult seasons can reveal areas of your heart that need transformation.
- Your faith must remain rooted in God, not merely in the blessings you desire.
- Private preparation is valuable, even when nobody recognises your efforts.
- Your response to challenges can contribute to your spiritual growth.
- Never sacrifice your character because of temporary pressure.
- Learn to trust God’s wisdom when you cannot understand everything happening around you.
What a time we are having!
Good Morning THE BELIEVER!
HAPPY FRIDAY!
