Confidence in the Test

The word test can also be equivalent to the word trial. If you look in the Merriam Dictionary under test it will lead you to look up the word trial if you choose while understanding the meaning of a test. A trial is a test of faith, patience, or stamina through a time of suffering. This suffering can be a number of things that assist in the development of our character. James 1:12 says “ Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life, that the Lord has promised to those that love him.” How encouraging is that! This verse is a great reminder that the suffering in this present time will lead us to our crown of life if we endure and do not faint.

Can you have confidence when your being tested? This has been my current question. One that I have had to answer with my faith. My flesh wants to say that having confidence in myself is easier and that I would have less to worry about. At times I want to faint because it seems as if walking in Godly Confidence will have you face a lot of resistance and more trials. The tests seem to come after God speaks to you and joy starts to take its place that it has always deserved. Those moments when you feel self confidence is better or can be used as an escape from what God is saying, this is also known as giving up. Going from confidence in God to rely on self is a form of turning from God. When you begin to purposely take focus of God because of fear in how He wants you to respond to His word and what you know you need to do ;you are choosing to take a road to self and maybe even the enemy.

Our adversary is constantly seeking to destroy us (1 Peter 5:8) and when we are on our own path without Christ this gives satan an open door to cause trouble in your life. Be encouraged in both test and trials. Stay in the presence of the Lord during the test. One way you can get strength in the test is through worship and prayer. The enemy is waiting for you to take a route that will pull you away from the presence of God. You have to keep your confidence through the test, by reading your word and in prayer. We can build our faith in the word by reading it aloud. Romans 10:7 says that " Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. In Hebrews 14:6 it also states to let us approach God’s throne of Grace with confidence so that we can receive the mercy and grace that we need during our times of need. It is only through communion with God that we can receive the best help and encouragement through our tests. Without prayer its not hard to understand why a person would want to give up or stay in a down trodden state, but it is our relationship with Christ that can encourage us that we are victorious and more than conquerors. 1 Corinthians 15:7 reminds us that " But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ".