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James 1:2-4
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
God tests our faith because we don’t always know its strength. Trials reveal our weaknesses and help us grow. Without tests, there’s no growth. The testing of faith produces steadfastness, which builds character. Without character, we fail. Tests force us to change, shaping us into who God wants us to be.
The greatest test recorded in Scripture was Abraham’s in Genesis 22:1-2:
“Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then He said, ‘Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.’”
The First Test: What’s Most Important in Your Heart?
Tests can come in times of hardship—loss, divorce, stress—but also in times of comfort, when life is smooth, and faith weakens. Abraham had waited 25 years for a son. He finally had Isaac, the promised child. Life was good. But was his faith strong?
When God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, He tested whether Abraham loved God more than his son. What is your “Isaac” — your career, hobby, family, wealth? If God asked for it, would you surrender it?
A common test today might be a job that conflicts with faith—like working on the Sabbath. Some serve God wholeheartedly when single but drift away when responsibilities increase. Parents who once prioritized worship may let a child’s routine take precedence, weakening their own faith. God wants to see what holds the highest place in your heart.
The Second Test: Do You Have Faith in Him?
Sacrifices were common in Abraham’s time, even among pagans who offered their children to false gods. Yet God had promised that through Isaac, a great nation would arise. Abraham believed God could raise Isaac from the dead. His faith rested in God’s faithfulness.
Hebrews 11:17-19
“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son… concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.”
The test wasn’t about love, it was about faith. Would Abraham trust God even when the command seemed impossible?
Tests can feel unreasonable, even unbearable. You may wonder if you’ll survive. But God wants you to believe in Him. Whatever He takes away, He can restore.
Abraham’s Response
Genesis 22:3 tells us Abraham rose early in the morning—he didn’t hesitate. He didn’t tell Sarah, knowing she might stop him. Sometimes, if someone might weaken your faith, it’s best not to share. Yet if their faith is stronger, they can support you.
Abraham journeyed three days to Mt. Moriah. He had ample time to change his mind but didn’t. He left his servants behind so they wouldn’t interfere. Similarly, we must remove obstacles to faith.
The greatest test came when Isaac asked, “Where is the lamb?” Abraham answered, “God will provide.” True faith doesn’t overthink; it trusts in God’s provision.
At the altar, Isaac displayed faith like his father. He allowed himself to be bound, showing complete trust. Abraham, unwavering, raised the knife—but God intervened.
Genesis 22:12-14
“Do not lay your hand on the lad… for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”
Abraham saw a ram caught in the thicket—God had provided.
Your Test Today
When trials come, do you fear God, or do you fear losing what He gave you? He tests us not to harm us but to strengthen our faith. If you pass, you will see His provision. The truth is, He has already provided. He will continue to test you until you understand.
So, give God your best—not your leftovers.
Join Us and be Strong to Face Tests
We warmly invite you to our upcoming Spring 2025 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC)—a time of worship, fellowship, and deepening our trust and faith in God. Bring your family and friends as we learn how to create a Christ-centered life at home, work and beyond. Save the date, we look forward to seeing you!
Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Please find our church location below:
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
Google Maps
In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org