WHEN FAITH IS TESTED
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 22:1-14
Key Verse: “And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest… and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.” (Genesis 22:2)
Supporting Texts: James 1:2-4; Hebrews 11:17-19; 1 Peter 1:6-7; Romans 4:20-21; Psalm 66:10
INTRODUCTION
Faith is easy to profess when promises are fresh and miracles are visible. However, faith reveals its true strength when it is tested by delay, sacrifice, or uncertainty. The authenticity of faith is not measured by words but by endurance under pressure.
Abraham waited years for the promised son, Isaac. Yet after the fulfilment of the promise, God tested him by asking him to offer that same son. This moment was not about cruelty but about confirmation. God was proving that Abraham loved the Giver more than the gift.
Every believer will encounter moments when faith is tested, through trials, loss, delay, or divine instructions that stretch understanding. These seasons are not meant to destroy faith but to purify and strengthen it. When faith passes the test, it enters a higher level of divine trust and blessing.
1. TESTING IS INITIATED BY GOD FOR A PURPOSE
Faith testing is not accidental; it is divinely permitted to accomplish spiritual growth.
a) DIVINE EXAMINATION (Genesis 22:1)
“God did tempt Abraham,” meaning God tested him. Testing reveals the depth of trust and loyalty in the believer’s heart.
b) REFINEMENT THROUGH TRIAL (1 Peter 1:6-7)
Trials refine faith like fire refines gold. The process removes impurities and strengthens spiritual character.
c) MATURITY THROUGH ENDURANCE (James 1:2-4)
Patience develops when faith is tried, leading to completeness and spiritual maturity.
d) PROOF OF AUTHENTICITY (Psalm 66:10)
God proves His people as silver is tried. Genuine faith stands firm under examination.
Biblical Example: Job endured severe testing, yet his faith remained anchored in God, and his latter end was more blessed than his beginning (Job 42:10).
2. TESTING OFTEN INVOLVES SACRIFICE
When faith is tested, it usually touches what is most precious.
a) THE COST OF OBEDIENCE (Genesis 22:2)
Isaac represented Abraham’s promise and future. True faith is willing to surrender even cherished blessings.
b) TRUSTING GOD’S CHARACTER (Hebrews 11:17-19)
Abraham believed God could raise Isaac from the dead. Faith rests on God’s ability beyond visible evidence.
c) EARLY AND WILLING RESPONSE (Genesis 22:3)
Abraham rose early to obey. Delayed obedience often reveals divided loyalty.
d) WORSHIP IN THE MIDST OF TESTING (Genesis 22:5)
Abraham declared, “We will come again,” showing confidence in God’s faithfulness even before the outcome was seen.
Biblical Example: Hannah surrendered Samuel to the Lord after receiving him through prayer, demonstrating faith that releases what it loves most (1 Samuel 1:27-28).
3. TESTING REVEALS THE OBJECT OF YOUR TRUST
Trials expose whether your faith is anchored in God or in His gifts.
a) LOVE FOR THE GIVER ABOVE THE GIFT (Genesis 22:12)
God affirmed that Abraham feared Him because he did not withhold his son. True devotion prioritises God above all.
b) FAITH OVER EMOTION (Romans 4:20-21)
Abraham staggered not at the promise of God. Faith overcomes emotional reasoning.
c) CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S PROVISION (Genesis 22:8)
“God will provide himself a lamb.” Faith speaks provision before manifestation.
d) UNWAVERING LOYALTY (Hebrews 10:23)
Holding fast to confession demonstrates confidence in God’s faithfulness.
Biblical Example: The three Hebrew boys refused to bow to the golden image, declaring their trust in God regardless of the outcome (Daniel 3:17-18).
4. TESTED FAITH RELEASES GREATER BLESSING
When faith passes the test, divine promotion follows.
a) DIVINE INTERVENTION (Genesis 22:11-12)
At the critical moment, God intervened. Heaven responds when faith remains steadfast.
b) SUPERNATURAL PROVISION (Genesis 22:13-14)
God provided a ram in place of Isaac. Tested faith often reveals Jehovah-Jireh.
c) COVENANT CONFIRMATION (Genesis 22:16-18)
God reaffirmed and expanded the promise after the test. Obedience unlocks higher dimensions of blessing.
d) GENERATIONAL IMPACT (Hebrews 11:12)
From Abraham came descendants as numerous as the stars. Tested faith secures lasting legacy.
Biblical Example: After Peter’s faith was tested and he was restored, he became a pillar of the early church, preaching boldly at Pentecost (Acts 2:14–41).
CONCLUSION
When faith is tested, it may feel painful, confusing, or overwhelming. Yet testing is not rejection; it is preparation. God uses trials to deepen trust, strengthen character, and confirm commitment. The very thing that seems like a threat to promise may be the pathway to greater fulfilment.
Stand firm when your faith is tested. Obey even when you do not fully understand. Trust the God who called you, and remember that every test passed moves you closer to divine elevation and lasting testimony.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, strengthen my faith in every season of testing in Jesus name.
2. Lord, help me to obey You even when the cost is great in Jesus name.
3. Father, refine my character through every trial in Jesus name.
4. Lord, give me grace to trust You beyond visible evidence in Jesus name.
5. Father, remove every fear that weakens my confidence in You in Jesus name.
6. Lord, teach me to love You above every blessing in Jesus name.
7. Father, let my faith remain steadfast under pressure in Jesus name.
8. Lord, reveal Yourself as my Provider in every test in Jesus name.
9. Father, turn every trial into a testimony in Jesus name.
10. Lord, promote me into greater dimensions of promise after testing in Jesus name.
