Articles
The Testing of Our Faith
In certain industries, metallurgical testing is a necessity, for such testing “identifies the condition and makeup of materials” that are used in the construction or manufacture of structures that require the materials that will be used will hold up under anticipated conditions — or even those that will likely never be faced. For example, we may not think about it much, if at all, but I am positive we would like to trust that the steel girders supporting that bridge we cross every day on the way to and from work will hold up under heavy traffic use, and heavy vehicles.
Metallurgical testing is done in engineering and scientific labs across the country to ensure these materials will bear up under pressure and stresses, and the methods used to do this testing vary from chemical to visual [under powerful microscopes] to lab testing [either actual materials or on a powerful computer that will simulate the materials and the anticipated stresses and conditions]. The individuals and companies that use this testing want to be absolutely sure the structures and/or materials will not fail because lives could literally be on the line. Recent bridge collapses have brought to light what happens when structures fail due to lack of maintenance or overuse.
In spiritual matters, it is even more important that we have a faith that does not fail, for our eternal spiritual destination is on the line! The testing of our faith is what reveals to us [and others] the strength to face trials and temptations, and the ability to endure throughout a lifetime. Peter points to this when he writes about a different type of metallurgic testing — the kind that is intended to purify precious metals and make them more valuable. After reminding the early disciples of the inheritance they had awaiting them in heaven, he wrote, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your soul” (1 Pet. 1:3-9).
Peter’s first letter was written to the early disciples to encourage them to endure through such trials and “testing,” and the “testing” they would face was both the purifying and the strengthening kind; it is the kind of “testing” every disciple needs! Instead of avoiding such “testing,” we should welcome it for what it will mean to us. Consider just some of what Peter wrote:
Trials. (1 Pet. 1:6, 7) As noted in the passage just cited, Peter noted the “various trials” they had faced, or would face; these trials, he also noted, would reveal to them and to the world “the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes.” They would prove that their faith was real [“genuine”] and they would prove that it was an extremely valuable faith [“more precious than gold that perishes”]; a faith that was not real or a faith that had no ability to endure is essentially fool’s gold — worthless!
Trials should not come as a surprise to Christians, either; Jesus had in fact told Peter and the rest of the apostles, “If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world,…therefore the world hates you…If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:18-20). Peter would now write to the early disciples and make this point: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you” (1 Pet. 4:12); apparently the apostles and other early teachers of the gospel made it a point to warn the new converts that trials were almost certain for, as Peter said, they should “not think it strange” that it happened to them.
If you have the idea that life will be easy and all your troubles will go away once you become a follower of Jesus, you are sadly mistaken and someone may have lied to you. Too many preachers falsely tell their enraptured audiences that God only wants the best of this material world for His people and a life of ease and comfort, and never tell them that God actually said, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). Friends and brethren He didn’t even say “might suffer persecution”!
But let us not avoid these tests of our faith, for it is these trials that are what make our faith stronger and more valuable! James notes, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (Jas. 1:2, 3). The value of that is revealed just a few verses later when James writes, “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (Jas. 1:12, NASB). Trials are difficult, yes, but the reward is more than worth it! Paul notes the value of trials when he wrote, “we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Rom. 5:3, 4). While the world might think this is crazy talk, the truth is, we can glory in those trials not because we ‘get to suffer,’ but because of what it brings: hope of the eternal reward.
Enduring the Trials. As noted by James, the testing of our faith “produces endurance” — the very thing we need while we live here on Earth. Just like heat-treating metal can make it more flexible and stronger, at the same time, trials can make our faith more ‘flexible’ [adapting to circumstances] and stronger, at the same time. It will enable us to endure more and more, as trials come and we stand fast in the faith. But how so?
When Peter admonished the early disciples to stand firm in their faith when suffering because of their faith, he pointed them to the example of our Lord and reminded them, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Pet. 2:21). And what did Jesus do when suffering? He “committed Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Pet. 2:23); That was shown best when, facing the impending torture and crucifixion, He prayed, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). He committed Himself to the Father and endured what was to come. That is our pattern.
In fact, that is what Peter himself would say to those early disciples! Again, he writes, “if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (1 Pet. 4:16), and, “Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator” (1 Pet. 4:19). That is, we hold our heads up, looking to our Father, and trust that He will bring us through it all. If it be that our lives end because of trials, so be it. We have something greater awaiting us!
We have been extremely blessed in this country for a long time, that we have not had to face persecutions to the same degree as the early disciples, or even as others who live in other parts of the world. But we need to know this is an anomaly; it is not the norm. What will we do when trials come to us? Will our faith stand the test?
It must! — Steven Harper
