Read Psalm 119:137-144.
Testing takes time. It’s a process that can’t be rushed. Manufacturers who test their products have to ensure that the products undergo situations which simulate real life so that they can be confident their products will last.
We are often impatient with waiting, perceiving it as a waste of time. But James reminds us that the testing of our faith develops perseverance, a quality underrated but essential to life (Js 1:3). He goes on to stay that perseverance is necessary for us to be mature and complete, not lacking anything (Js 1:4). Paul makes a similar point to the Romans, telling them that ‘suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.’ (Rom 5:3-4) This suffering and testing can’t be hurried or rushed if we are to become the people God wants us to be: Peter reminds us that the trials come so that ‘the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.’ (1 Pet 1:7) God is interested in the long haul!
Testing times ultimately help not only to develop our faith, but to prove God’s word to us: ‘Your promises have been thoroughly tested.’ (Ps 119:140) Generation after generation have thrown their weight on God’s promises found in His Word and have found them to be trustworthy and reliable. ‘Righteous are You, O Lord, and Your ways are right.’ (Ps 119:138)
God’s character is our bedrock. His actions are always in line with His character, which is why we can endure the testing and the waiting. He teaches us according to both His character and His actions (Ps 119:139). ‘The way You tell me to live is always right’, the psalmist concludes (Ps 119:144), asking God to give understanding ‘so I can live life to the fullest.’’ That’s a good prayer to pray in times of testing!