For many the word “test” brings anxiety. We have so many tests in our lives:  math, spelling, driver’s license, swimming, blood, medical … and each comes with a grade or pass/fail result. Either way, we want to pass the tests. The Bible talks a lot about tests, but it is usually regarding a test of our faith.

What does a test of faith look like? Well, it’s not usually a short quiz or a quick check-up, but an experience over a period of time, sometimes for many years. Essentially, a test of faith is continuing to believe even when we cannot see the outcome.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1 NIV).

Notice the two words, confidence and assurance. Even when we cannot see the outcome, we can have faith. This chapter goes on to give many examples of people who were commended for their faith—imperfect people who nevertheless demonstrated a deep trust in God. One person’s story that always amazes me is Joseph.

Joseph had a dream as a young boy that was from God. We can look back now and see that his dream was prophetic. He was greatly impacted by this dream as he shared it with his entire family. They were not too impressed with the dream because in it they were bowing down to Joseph! Perhaps he should have kept his dream to himself because it fueled the jealousy and hatred from his brothers toward him. Fast forward roughly 40 years later and we see the fulfillment of that dream as his brothers bow down before him, not realizing he had survived being sold into slavery and was now the second in command of all of Egypt.

Joseph’s story of trouble and testing throughout those years serves as an example of faith. Joseph continued to believe God and trust Him even when he was thrown into a pit and later into jail (guiltless of wrongdoing). Joseph passed the test of faith many times throughout his life. Did you notice in Hebrews that Joseph was commended for his faith not so much for what happened in his lifetime but for what would happen long after he was gone.

By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones (Hebrews 11:22).

Joseph had faith at the end of his life that God would eventually take His people from Egypt back to the land God had promised Abraham and his descendants. When He did, Joseph wanted the Israelites to take his bones with them so he could be buried back in his homeland.

God loves faith! When we don’t see the big picture, He does, and He wants us to trust Him! I believe there will be many things in my life and yours that we may never know the outcome. But by faith we can live and die believing God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do.

So, what are you facing today that requires faith? Are there health challenges, relationship struggles, financial or emotional strain? Put your faith in God and you’ll keep trusting, keep believing, and live expectantly because that’s what it means to pass the test of faith. And that’s courageous living.

Prayer of Commitment: Father, I place my confidence and faith in You, especially in times of difficulty. I ask for Your assurance and trust You with the outcome.

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Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.