THE PURPOSE OF TESTING.

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 

James 1:2-3 [ESV]

Steadfastness - Firm and Unwavering.

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.

James 1:12 [ESV]

2 Truths About Testing.

1. It’s Unavoidable.

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.

James 1:2 [ESV]

16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately He went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on Him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:16-17 [ESV]

1 Jesus was taken into the wild by the spirit for the test. 

Matthew 4:1 [MSG]

We want Jesus to hurry and calm the storm.
He wants to strengthen and develop us in the middle of the storm first.

19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 [ESV]

2. It’s Inopportune.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5 [ESV]

8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9 [NIV]

“When you go through a trial, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your head.”

-Charles Haddon Spurgeon

2 Things To Do In A Testing Season.

1. Partner.

17 A brother is born for a time of adversity.

Proverbs 17:17 [NIV]

2. Pray.

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  

Philippians 4:6-7 [NIV]

“The purpose of prayer is not to leave with an answer.
The purpose of prayer is to leave with His presence.
Because if I have God’s presence, there’s nothing I can’t face.”