BGEA: Does God sometimes test our faith by letting hard times happen to us? If so, why does He do it? Doesn't He already know whether or not our faith is genuine?

Does God sometimes test our faith by letting hard times happen to us? If so, why does He do it? Doesn't He already know whether or not our faith is genuine? — Mrs. K.F.

Sometimes God does test our faith, just as He tested the faith of the ancient Israelites by allowing them to go through hard times in the wilderness, "in order to know what was in your heart" (Deuteronomy 8:2).

Remember: If our faith is weak, it may not be obvious when life is going smoothly and we aren't challenged in any way. But when hard times come, a weak faith will be revealed for what it really is: shallow and unable to help us through life's difficulties. It may be anything: an unexpected illness, the death of a loved one, the loss of our job, or even a friend who turns against us. But when hard times happen, the true nature of our faith will be revealed.

But God doesn't test us because He doesn't know how strong we are.

Instead, He tests us because we don't know how strong we are -- and we'll only realize it when times of testing come. The psalmist prayed, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts" (Psalm 139:23).

None of us likes to go through hard times (and God isn't necessarily behind them, even if He does allow them). But God can use them to show us our weaknesses. And when that happens, we need to ask God to help our faith grow. Testing should make us spiritually stronger -- and it will as we turn it over to God. The Bible says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials ... so that you may be mature and complete" (James 1:2, 4).

21 Comments

Andre says 5.6.2013, 11:42 p.m.

My girlfriend has been feeling that she's been tested by God. From the difficulty to find a new job, to our band and even our relationship - I want to marry her but we can't afford that right now.I pray everyday for her before going to sleep.

dawn says 4.19.2013, 8:15 p.m.

I feel god has tested me too far is that true or do I just trust and continue to love him and all will be well

vannalika vivian says 4.18.2013, 4:16 p.m.

Thank you Jesus christ for loving me, thank you for sacrificing yo life for the sake of me!

Rebee says 4.17.2013, 08:19 a.m.

Please pray for my family. We are going through a difficult time. I'm trying hard to understand why I'm going through this and the purpose... but fears seem to get the best of me. I love the Lord and can't immagine my life without him. Heavy Heart,

Donald says 6.21.2011, 12:41 a.m.

I just want to say that you have been an inspiration to me Rev. Graham. You continue to fight the good fight in a world where to be meek is thought to be weak. Pray that the Lord will bring me through my tests better than I was prior to them. Praise be to the God who not only keeps on giving, but keeps on forgiving. Amen.

Karen says 5.15.2011, 5:21 p.m.

Thank you, Dr Graham for your insight. I have never heard that explanation about faith. It's encouraging. I, too, am glad to hear you are doing better. Although you had already moved on, I grew up in the Village Church in Western Springs, Il. where you first pastored. I pray for you and often ask God to comfort you. See you in Heaven!

Bolaji says 5.15.2011, 2:49 p.m.

This is really what the Bible is saying when it says, 'faith comes by hearing'. You've really boosted my inner man. God bless you sir. It's my pleasure hearing about the improvement of your health, God bless you sir.

Mike says 5.14.2011, 4:30 p.m.

I thank God for Jesus love and sacrifice. Dr Graham you are an inspiration for me each week when I watch your crusade classics. You help me understand and live the word. I look foward to being with Christ and my family in paradise. I pray that I may serve Jesus in what ever way he wants.

Patience says 5.14.2011, 2:36 p.m.

I thank God for the good news that Billy Graham is improving. He has been in my prayers since I got the news. I am also praying for the team of BGEA workers. May God prosper their work and help those who have suffered loss.

SHARON says 5.14.2011, 2:25 p.m.

Dear Mr. Graham, When I was growing up I watched your crusades on TV. I sure wish you and Franklin, still had crusades like you did when I was a young girl. I am so happy that you are feeling better. You are my hero!! And I love you for sending God, to me and a lot of other's. God Bless you. In God's love. Sharon

Kwame says 5.13.2011, 10:21 p.m.

Dr Graham, thank God for your life. I will continue to pray for you. Saturday night 10:00pm est on TBN is my favorite TV time. Watching you preach the TRUTH with boldness. God bless you.

Debbie says 5.13.2011, 3:19 p.m.

Through the years I've come to learn that what you have said about God's testing in faith is really very true. He's such a loving and wonderful God. He's taught me that through Him, I can carry on through things I would have never imagined for myself both happy and sad.Your post is nice to have in hearing from others who love Jesus too. Thank YouP.S. Happy to hear you're feeling better Mr. Graham.

Rose says 5.13.2011, 09:56 a.m.

Thank you to Billy Graham and his ministry team. I suffered the loss of my 12 year old son who was murdered. He was a christian and I was not. The ministry sent my son, Daniel, a birthday card every year for many years but not the one following his death. This showed me God is all knowing! Next, I wanted what he had but couldn't understand his bible (KJV). I asked God to give me something I could understand then 3 days later the Billy Graham ministry sent m the book of psalm in modern language. What a treasure! I committed my life to the Lord and came to understand the reason for my suffering.....TO FIND HIM!! Now I strive to help others through their suffering. I'm thankful the Lord doesn't waste our pain. ** What they intended for evil, God intended for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Gen. 50:20) ** Thank you Billy Graham for your obedience to God's call on your life!

Leslie Graham, Salem, VA says 5.13.2011, 00:18 a.m.

Dear Billy Graham, You are the wisest, most understanding sharer of the gospel as I have ever met in my life. I thank you for breaking this down for me after I suffered a major car accident and loss of my car. Praise the Lord for your wisdom. Leslie Graham

Mary says 5.12.2011, 10:45 p.m.

Billy Graham is a hero of the faith. I understand he is in the hospital. I pray for him now that the LORD will strengthen him and raise him up.

Mary Maddox says 5.12.2011, 10:27 p.m.

I ask you to Pray for my grand-daughter who is going on a mission trip to Honduras the end of this month with her class at Christian Heritage! Please pray that she will be able to help a lot of teenagers as she is 15 and that all her class will be safe !

Marshall says 5.12.2011, 10:11 p.m.

It is in these times that I have felt very close to God and can feel Him carrying me. The only way to get through these times is by leaning on the Lord and trusting in Him and His promises.

Merica says 5.12.2011, 9:40 p.m.

It is so good to have you explain God's word. I have learned something and hope to pass this on to someone who will ask this question.Thank You.

Ray says 5.12.2011, 8:55 p.m.

I have been going through some very difficult times, lost my job and it seems like we're being tested every time we turn around. I try and pray for stronger faith, but it is so hard. Please pray for me and my family.

Peggie says 5.12.2011, 4:27 p.m.

So thankful that Billy Graham service is on the internet.

Jaana says 5.12.2011, 4:25 p.m.

To know what she is to do in Christ' work, ministry. Amen