The Strength of the SpirtSample

Title: "Tested and Strengthened"

Have you ever faced a season in life that felt like one challenge after another? Maybe you’re going through something right now that’s stretching you to your limits. You’re exhausted, frustrated, and wondering, Why is this happening?

The truth is, God allows us to go through tests—not to break us, but to build us. He doesn’t test us to see if we’ll fail. He tests us to strengthen our faith, refine our character, and deepen our trust in Him.

It’s easy to think that difficulties mean God is distant or that we’ve done something wrong. But testing is not punishment—it’s preparation.

Look at James 1:2-4:

“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.”

James doesn’t say, “If you face trials,” but when. That means we shouldn’t be surprised when life gets tough. God is shaping us through every trial.

Think about Abraham. God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac—a test of trust that seemed impossible. But in the end, God provided a way out. Abraham’s test wasn’t about losing Isaac. It was about learning to trust God fully.

Or consider Job. He lost everything—his family, his wealth, his health. And yet, through all of it, Job said:

“Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him.” (Job 13:15)

Job’s story reminds us that God never abandons us in the test. He walks with us through it, teaching us to trust Him even when we don’t understand.

Why Does God Test Us?

Tests serve a purpose. They:

1.Reveal what’s in our hearts – Trials show us whether we’re truly relying on God or just on ourselves.

2.Strengthen our faith – Every test we pass makes us stronger for the next one.

3.Prepare us for greater things – God doesn’t just want to bless us; He wants to make sure we’re ready to carry the blessing well.

When you’re in the middle of a test, what should you do?

1.Stay faithful – Keep praying, keep reading His Word, keep trusting.

2.Don’t give up – Just because you don’t see a way out doesn’t mean God isn’t working.

3.Lean on Him – Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Maybe today you feel like you're in a storm. Maybe you're struggling with uncertainty, fear, or disappointment. God sees you. He’s with you. And He is using this test to build you into the person He’s called you to be.

Remember, every test has a purpose. Will you trust Him through it?