“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said, 'In Isaac your descendants shall be called.' He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type” (Hebrews 11:17–19, NASB).

God tests faith.

Like precious metals, faith must be tested in order to validate its authenticity and genuineness.

Biblical faith is a confident trust in whatever God says is true and acting upon it regardless of the circumstances or consequences.

Impurities exist in our faith when there is a difference between our stated beliefs (what we say we believe and trust in) and how we actually respond when we are under the pressure of life’s difficult circumstances.

How do you respond when everything around you seems to be falling apart? What do God’s tests reveal to you about your faith? Is there a difference between your stated beliefs and your responses—your actions, attitudes, and affections?

God’s tests are designed to expose impurities and weaknesses in our faith. If we are willing to examine and evaluate our responses to the circumstances of life, areas where growth and change are needed can be identified. Sometimes asking a close friend to help with this can be beneficial. That is the essence of discipleship and one-another care.

The good news is that God’s tests always have a purpose. His tests are always designed for our good and His glory. Testing is one of the ways that God changes us and conforms us to the image of His Son (Rom. 8:28–29).

Abraham responded to his extreme test from God by standing on the promises that God had made concerning Isaac. Abraham trusted in God’s unchangeable character and God’s unchangeable Word. As so can we! Our heavenly Father is a good, good Father. He is a promise-making and promise-keeping Father who always keeps His Word. So let us hold fast the confession of our hope in our times of testing, without wavering, because He who promised is faithful (Heb. 10:23)!

As Paul said to the Philippians, "I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:6). Brothers and sisters, you will be completely refined and conformed to the image of Christ and that is a promise you can stand on in faith!

Dan Brewer (Director of Biblical Counseling and Pastoral Care)