The bible teaches us that when our faith is being tested, it can either feel like a fiery trial (1 Peter 1:7) or like passing through deep waters (Isaiah 43:2). In other words, it’s going to be a difficult time for us. We may even feel alone in the trial we are facing. Sometimes when we go through seasons of testing, it may seem difficult to hear the Lord’s voice or even perceive His presence. There is actually a biblical example of this from the book of Job. This is what Job said when his faith was being tested:

“Look, I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him; when He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him; when He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him. But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

Job 23:8-10 NKJV

Over the last few years, I have been going through seasons whereby the Lord has been testing my faith. I would like to share my experience with you, because I hope it may bring light and comfort to anyone who is going through a similar season of having their faith tested.

Normally before we go through seasons of testing, we will go through seasons of learning and building relationship with the Lord. In seasons of learning and building relationship, the Lord will teach us to hear His voice, sharpen our discernment, and teach us many truths from His Word. Not everyone’s journey is exactly the same, however, we will all go through different seasons with the Lord, and each season has a purpose.

During previous seasons where God was building relationship with me, He had let me know that He would be silent during times of testing, but these times seemed to only last for a few hours at a time. But then my season of testing came, God went silent for many days, which then turned into many weeks. During this time, I became very distressed because I thought I had done something wrong. I kept asking God if I was in sin or what was going on, but He remained silent.

One weekend, while I was sharing this experience with close friends of ours, my friend suggested that God was testing me. I believe that he got a word of knowledge from the Lord. He then proceeded to ask me this question, “During a test, is the teacher talking or is the teacher quiet?” About a week later, I received the exact same word from another close friend of mine when sharing my concern with her. I then knew with absolute certainty that God was giving me confirmation that I was going through a season of testing.

During this season, God reminded me of a Scripture which tells us that even Jesus was tested:

Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried [or tested] stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation.”

Isaiah 28:16 NKJV

We know with certainty that the only cornerstone in Zion is Jesus. This Scripture was a prophecy of the Messiah, and it helps us understand that He was also tried and tested. Upon realizing that Jesus also went through what we go through, one day I asked Him how He did it, because I found it so difficult to get through each day without hearing His still small voice? (God will still always speak to us through His written word, but I was longing to also hear His still small voice speaking to me). He immediately responded with a Scripture from John 8:29, and I knew with absolute certainty that this Scripture was what I needed to hold on to. This Scripture gave me the strength and encouragement I needed to push through the season I was in.

And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.

John 8:29 NKJV

I believe that God was giving me comfort and encouragement by assuring me that He was with me, even though I couldn’t perceive His presence as I had before. He also gave me the understanding that He wanted to do a deeper work within me, and this is how He chose to do it. He wanted to teach me that He can speak directly to our hearts and give us the understanding of what His will is. He was also teaching me how to use greater discernment in all things, so that I could make wise decisions. He also tested my faith to show me where it was lacking in certain areas of my life, so that He could strengthen my faith for the journey He had ahead of me.

If you are in a season whereby your faith is being tested, I’d like to encourage you with these words:

• Rest assured that God is always with you, and see each test as a reason to rejoice because the Lord delights to show us His faithfulness. He may be wanting to teach you new things, or do a deeper work within you. He may be wanting to strengthen your faith so that you can move forward in the direction He has for you. There is always a purpose for every season that we are in, and there is always a purpose for every test.

• Next, continue running your race with what has already been revealed to you, don’t worry about the unknown. You might have some unanswered questions, but God will be faithful to answer them all. Don’t let the questions overwhelm you or cause you to stagnate. Keep going and keep moving forward with what you do know.

• Lastly, keep obeying what has been revealed in His written Word, and what He has already instructed you to do. There is another great biblical example of this from the book of Job. When Job was having his faith tested, this is what he said:

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.

Job 23:10-12 NKJV

I pray this message blesses and encourages you in Jesus’ name.