Page 25 - BMIN191 Beginnning Internship

The Heart of Ministry 25

The Test of Trust

1.3.2 Understanding the Test
OBJECTIVE Scripture tells us that faith is necessary in order to please God. It makes sense,
Identify scriptural then, that the test of trust would play a significant role in the development of the
guidance for the tests minister’s life.
of trust, obedience,
dependence, love, time, In the twenty-first century, people think a lot about the pursuit of ease and
and solitude. comfort. The achievement of these modern day treasures—along with wealth and
success—is an indication of a good life. This makes it hard to accept difficulty
and to experience uncertainty. It is more unfortunate when we realize that we
have let ourselves believe ease and prosperity are synonymous with knowing the
blessings of God.
1.3.3 When a test of trust comes, this modern pursuit of comfort is interrupted. God
OBJECTIVE makes us uncomfortable and forces us to face the uncertain. We are left feeling
Summarize the tests abandoned and hopeless. Sadly, this is the time when some turn away from God,
of trust, obedience, abandoning all possibility that this is a test to see where their trust lies.
dependence, love, time, Both for personal benefit and as an example to others, the minister has to see
and solitude, including the this process for what it is. God has not abandoned or failed His servant. Rather,
means by which each test the moment has come for the minister to demonstrate the life of faith—a life that
is passed. cannot exist without unanswered questions.

Why You Cannot Afford to Fail
15 How does the pursuit of As we have noted, God requires faith from those who would serve Him. This
comfort compromise the test is reason enough to put all diligence toward passing this test. But there is more to
of trust? the urgency for success in this area than divine compulsion.
The minister has launched into a life much different from that pursued by
others. First, the minister has agreed to the call to live sacrificially as a servant of
God and the purposes of His kingdom. When God tested Abraham by asking him
to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22), He was not being impulsive or trying to stretch
Abraham to breaking point. He had a specific purpose in the test. God would
ultimately lead Abraham to places where absolute trust was needed, often without
understanding or prior discussion. Abraham had to pass the trust test in order to
be ready for the life God had placed before him. The same requirement holds for
today’s minister.

How to Get a Passing Grade
First, success in the test of trust demands focusing on the faithfulness of God.
His trustworthiness is a proven reality. If you know He has come through for you
on past occasions, it is easier to trust Him for the situation at hand.
Second, consider the places where you have invested your trust. Perhaps it has
been placed in your own abilities, in a long-standing organization, or in a very
influential friend. You may have more trust in your resources or may be hoping
for good fortune to deliver you. Once you locate where your trust is placed, begin
to identify the weaknesses of such trust.
Finally, confess your fears to God as you take steps of obedience. God
understands our weaknesses, but He will not tolerate a decision to let those
weaknesses paralyze us. Walk as God has revealed, and let Him help with your
feelings of uncertainty. Each step of trust becomes stronger.