I don’t think I have ever met anyone who enjoys testing. Even though I always made good grades all through college, there was that nagging thought of the “what if.” What if they ask something I don’t know, what if I don’t meet the expectations, I have set for myself. Even though I don’t like tests, I can’t make the grade if I’m not tested. The same is true for our faith. It has often been said, “a faith that cannot be tested, cannot be trusted.” God tested His servants, and He will test us too.
In II Corinthians 11:23–27, Paul talks about all the things he has suffered because of His faith in Jesus. In these verses, Paul allows us to see some of his qualifications in verse 22. He was born to the select Hebrews who never intermarried with the Gentiles. He was an educated man, an Israelite from the seed of Abraham. In Acts 22:25, we also find that he is a Roman citizen. Paul was no ordinary man, and he had no ordinary calling. Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus in Acts chapter 9 and gloriously saved him. In this section, we see his suffering also. He had been beaten, put in prison, stoned, left for dead, suffered shipwreck, bitten by a snake, robbed, and cast out by his own people. All because Paul’s faith was anchored in Christ and his desire to preach the cross of Christ was more important than anything. He did not mention all his perils and trials to seek attention for himself but to honor the God who had called him and sustained him.
II Corinthians 11:22-28 “Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more, in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews, five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I was beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.”
Paul’s faith was tested and tried at every turn, yet he never wavered in his commitment to Christ. When he got a clear picture of who he was before Christ, persecuting the church, and living for himself, he was overwhelmed with gratitude for his salvation. He loved Christ so much that he longed to be with Him, yet he understood God had a purpose and mission for him here. In Philippians 1:21, Paul says to live here is to represent Christ, but to die is gain. Paul was very mindful of his purpose. He knew that these new Christians needed leadership, they needed someone who would encourage and love them in the truth of the gospel. That is why in Philippians 1:24, Paul says that it is more necessary for him to stay here rather than go to Heaven.
Philippians 1:24-25 “But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,”
Paul could only suffer in the way mentioned above because he had a faith in Christ that guided his every move. He kept his eyes on the prize that awaited him at the end of this life. With his education and pedigree, he could have done well according to the world’s standards. However, that was not his goal. He kept his eyes of faith focused on the Master and what pleased Him.
II Corinthians 12:7-9 “So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
How strong is your faith? Will it carry you through persecutions, trials, and testing? There is only one way you can answer these questions in the affirmative. Every day you need to get to know Him better, and purpose in your heart to obey. Faith, like our physical bodies, must be fed. If it is to grow the right way, it must be fed a balanced diet on the whole counsel of God. Is your faith strong enough to pass the test?
