THE TEST OF FAITH: Holding Fast to God's Promises

 

In life, it’s not uncommon for us to face situations where God’s promises seem to contradict our present circumstances. Whether it’s a personal struggle, a family crisis, or a challenge within a community, there are times when the reality we see with our eyes can make God's promises feel distant or unclear. But in moments like these, God has a powerful word for us.

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised)." — Hebrews 10:23.

The key to overcoming these challenges is holding on tightly to the faith we profess, unwavering in our belief that the One who made the promise is faithful to fulfill it.

The Example of Abraham: Faith Tested and Strengthened

Abraham’s life is an outstanding example of unwavering faith in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances. His story is a testimony to how faith in God’s word can hold steady, even when the natural world offers no reason to believe.

Scripture reminds us that when Abraham was tested by God to sacrifice his son, Isaac, an apparent contradiction to the promise he had received from God, he didn’t waver in his belief that God’s promises would come to pass.

“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall your seed be called: accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.” — Hebrews 11:17-19.

What a powerful demonstration of faith! God had promised Abraham that his descendants would come through Isaac, yet God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Amid this apparent contradiction, Abraham’s faith did not falter. He believed that God, who had made the promise, would fulfill it — even if it meant raising Isaac from the dead.
This test did not negate God’s promise; it validated it. Abraham's faith was not in the absence of trials, but in the trust that God's promises would stand firm, no matter the circumstances.

Holding on to God’s Word Through Life’s Tests

When God’s promises are tested, it is our faith that is being refined. It is easy to trust when things are going well, but real faith shines brightest when it is tested by adversity. Abraham’s response to God’s command shows us that faith is not simply a passive belief in God’s promises but an active trust in His Word, no matter what we face.
When you face a test, your faith is not only about holding onto what you hope for but about confidently declaring God's truth over your situation. Abraham’s response to his son’s question in Genesis 22:7-8 reveals this.

“And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, ‘My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?’ And Abraham said, ‘My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering.’ So they went both of them together.” — Genesis 22:7-8.

Abraham’s words were not just a calm reassurance; they were a confession of faith. He declared, “God will provide,” even though he had no idea how God would do so.

In your own trials, when others question your hope or the reality of your circumstances seems daunting, your response should be one of unwavering faith — confessing God’s truth even when it is not yet visible.

Faith in Action: Confession, Worship, and Thanksgiving

What you believe in your heart will inevitably determine how you respond to life’s challenges. Abraham's actions were a reflection of his faith. Despite the emotional weight of the situation, he didn’t complain or murmur; instead, he worshiped God through his obedience. His words and actions were a testimony to his deep belief in God’s goodness.

In times of trial, your faith should be expressed through worship, praise, and thanksgiving. These outward expressions are not just rituals; they are a testimony of trust in God’s faithfulness, even when circumstances suggest otherwise.
The apostle James encourages us in James 1:2-3 to count it all joy when we face trials because the testing of our faith produces perseverance. This perseverance leads to maturity, refining us and drawing us closer to God. Our trials are not a sign of abandonment by God; they are opportunities to deepen our trust in His promises.

When Circumstances Speak, Faith Speaks Louder

Faith is not merely an inner feeling; it’s expressed in our words and actions. Just as Abraham confessed his faith in God’s provision, we, too, must speak words of life over our situations.

• When faced with a setback, you declare that God is faithful to lift you up.
• When weakness or sickness strikes, you speak strength and healing, knowing that God is your healer.
• When finances are tight, you speak God’s truth that He will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).

This confession is a declaration that our circumstances do not define us — God's Word does. In every trial, our faith should be expressed through our words and our actions, just as Abraham’s was.

The Victory of Faith: Overcoming Through God’s Word

Ultimately, the test of faith is not just about surviving the trial; it is about growing through it. Faith is more than believing that God will deliver you; it is about believing that He is faithful, regardless of how long the wait might be or how impossible the situation might seem.

Remember: your present test does not cancel God’s previous promises to you. Instead, it comes to validate and strengthen those promises. As you hold fast to God’s Word, trusting in His faithfulness, you will emerge from the trial stronger and more confident in the unchanging nature of His promises.

"When men are cast down, then you shall say, There is lifting up…"
— Job 22:29.

As you walk through your trials, hold on to the truth that God will lift you up, just as He has promised. No circumstance, no trial, and no setback can diminish the faithfulness of God.

The Power of Faith in Testing Times

In conclusion, the test of faith is not a sign that God's promises are failing; it is an opportunity for those promises to be proven true in your life. Like Abraham, you are called to trust in God’s Word, declare His truth in the face of opposition, and worship Him through the trial. In doing so, you not only overcome the present challenge but also testify to the faithfulness of the One who called you.

Hold fast to your faith — for He who promised is faithful, and His Word will never