How to Pass Life's Spiritual Tests with Flying Colors
Life has a way of presenting us with challenges that test our faith, resilience, and character. These spiritual tests come in many forms - financial difficulties, relationship struggles, health issues, or moments of doubt. But what if we could view these trials not as burdens, but as opportunities for growth? What if we could pass these tests with flying colors, emerging stronger and more faithful on the other side?
The story of Jesus feeding the five thousand offers profound insights into how we can approach and overcome life's spiritual tests. This miraculous event, recorded in all four Gospels, carries lessons that are as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago.
Picture the scene: A vast crowd has followed Jesus to a remote area, drawn by His teachings and miraculous healings. As evening approaches, the disciples realize they have a problem - thousands of hungry people and no food. Jesus turns to Philip and asks, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?"
It's a test, pure and simple. Jesus already knows what He's going to do, but He wants to see how His disciples will respond. Their reaction teaches us valuable lessons about how we often face our own spiritual tests:
- Don't get overwhelmed by circumstances
Philip immediately focuses on the impossibility of the situation. He calculates that even months of wages wouldn't be enough to feed everyone. How often do we do the same? We look at the enormity of our problems and feel paralyzed, forgetting the unlimited power of the God we serve. - Don't underestimate what God can do with little
Andrew finds a boy with five small barley loaves and two fish, but dismisses it as inadequate. "But what are they among so many?" he asks. We too can fall into the trap of believing our resources are too meager for God to use. But in God's hands, even our smallest offerings can become miracles. - Obey, even when it doesn't make sense
Jesus tells the disciples to have the people sit down in groups. It might have seemed pointless, but they obeyed. Sometimes God's instructions don't align with our logic, but obedience is the first step towards witnessing His power at work. - Offer what you have to God
Jesus takes the loaves and fish, gives thanks, and begins to distribute them. The miracle unfolds as the food multiplies in His hands. When we surrender our limited resources to God, He can do immeasurably more than we could ever imagine. - Be willing to serve others
The disciples become active participants in the miracle, distributing the food to the crowd. God often works through us to bless others. Our willingness to serve, even in the midst of our own trials, can lead to unexpected blessings. - Trust in God's abundance
Not only was everyone fed until they were satisfied, but twelve baskets of leftovers remained. God's provision goes beyond meeting our basic needs; He delights in demonstrating His extravagant love and care for us.
These lessons challenge us to shift our perspective on the spiritual tests we face. Instead of viewing them as obstacles, we can see them as opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and for our faith to grow.
The apostle James encourages us...
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” (James 1:2–3)
This doesn't mean we enjoy hardship, but rather that we recognize its potential to strengthen our character and deepen our reliance on God.
Remember, God is faithful. As 1 Corinthians 10:13 assures us...
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Every test comes with a divine escape route, if we have eyes to see it.
So how can we practically apply these lessons to pass our spiritual tests with flying colors?
- Realize the purpose of the test: God allows trials not to frustrate us, but to help us grow. Ask, "What can I learn from this situation?"
- Recognize the wrong answers: Unbelief, focusing solely on circumstances, and underestimating God's power will always lead us astray.
- Respond with the right answers:
- Be obedient to God's commands, even when they don't make sense.
- Commit whatever resources you have, no matter how small, to God's control.
- Humbly serve others, even in the midst of your own struggles.
- Trust in God's abundant provision and care. - Enjoy the results: As you faithfully navigate trials, watch for the ways God blesses you and uses you to bless others. Celebrate His faithfulness!
The story of feeding the five thousand reminds us that with God, the impossible becomes possible. The disciples went from panic to participation in a miracle. They moved from seeing scarcity to witnessing abundance. And in the process, their faith grew exponentially.
Your current trial - whatever it may be - is an opportunity for God to work in and through you in powerful ways. It's a chance to trust Him more deeply, to serve others more selflessly, and to witness His faithfulness firsthand.
As you face life's spiritual tests, remember the lessons from this miraculous feeding. Offer what you have to God, no matter how inadequate it seems. Obey His instructions, even if they don't make sense at first. Be willing to serve others, even when you feel empty yourself. And always, always trust in His abundant provision.
With this approach, you'll not only pass your spiritual tests - you'll pass them with flying colors, growing in faith and becoming more like Christ in the process. So embrace the challenges before you, knowing that God is working all things together for your good and His glory.