Normal Experience

THIS is the law of the Christian life. God is constantly testing and trying us, passing us through the fire and under the rod, that out of each testing and each trial we may emerge stronger, purer and better able to meet the next and possibly even greater trial, until at the last we shall reach the stature of perfection when we see Him face to face. The Christian who experiences no trials or tribulations, who endures no chastening, may well seriously question his fellowship with Christ. Our Lord Himself has said:

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

And the Apostle Peter tells us this:

That the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:7).

It is the normal experience of the believer, and not the abnormal, to be tested and tried and purified.

God has however, promised to give the grace, the supply for each trial, so that we may profit by each test and receive strength for the next trial to come. The Holy Spirit Himself has assured us:

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Instead of fainting, therefore, and becoming discouraged when trials and temptations beset us, we should rejoice to know that God is still dealing with us as children. We should the rather ask the question, Just what is our Father trying to teach us now and do with us? What is the lesson of trust and faith that He would have us learn through these trying experiences?

The life of Abraham then becomes a wonderful example, and for this reason he is called “the father of the faithful.” His life presents a series of testings and trials, successes and failures, but even the failures are used of God to lift him to a higher plane of faith and prepare him to meet still greater tests of faith, until they reach their climax in Genesis 22 at the offering of his only son, Isaac, by faith in the promises of God.

Adapted and modified excerpts from Studies in the Life of Abraham by M. R. De Haan (1891-1964)
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, ESV © 2016 by Crossway Bibles.
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