After the Test

By Justin C. Jeffrey

David... Job... Peter...Each of these servants of God went through tests. Let’s look at what happened during their tests and what each one did after their test was over.
Each of these men had a test that most of us have had or are going through today, and some of us may have to face one of these tests in the future. Now, not all these tests that each man went through were caused by them being tempted of something. Sometimes God chooses to put us through a test in which we have no decision about what brings it about. Sometimes God gives us no decision about what to do during the test. But all of us have a decision about what to do after the test, and that is a test in itself.
II Samuel 11:2-5 – Because of David’s sin, the child that David and Bathsheba had as a result of adultery, was stricken by God with a sickness and on the seventh day, the child died.
Job 1:1-3 – tells us what kind of man Job was, and of his great wealth and children. Job did the will of the Lord and was blessed because of it, but little did Job know the kind of test that was about to be laid before him. Job 1:15-19 – When it seemed all was lost and then his health was taken away, Job’s tests were still not ended. His wife lost faith and then his 3 friends, who’d come, supposedly to help and support him in his grief, became his fiercest attackers; judging him, accusing him of harboring some secret sin in his heart, and insisting God was punishing him and thus, he needed to repent. Their accusations were false. Job was not being punished, he was being tested.
Matthew 26:31-35 – Even though Jesus told Peter and all the disciples that they would deny Him, Peter said that he would rather die than betray Jesus. Peter did not yet understand that when Jesus said something, was going to happen, it was going to happen! Peter’s confidence in himself was such that he was sure it couldn’t happen. We all know the story. The night came, Jesus was betrayed and taken prisoner, and what did Peter do? He denied Jesus three times before the cock crew. The Bible says when that happened, Peter remembered the Word of the Lord, and went out and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:69-75)

David’s test was of Lust and Murder – yet David didn’t become wicked because of the test or because what he did during it. Instead, after the test, David humbled himself, repented, and asked God for forgiveness. God forgave him and gave him another son named Solomon who was the best king of Israel and God blessed David all the rest of his days.
Job’s tests were trials and tribulations – Yet they did not cause him to curse God or give up on God. Job decided to serve God and trust him through all the pain and the accusations of his friends and that after the test was over he would still be serving God... He maintained his integrity through it all until the Lord said, "That’s enough" and rewarded him double.
Peter’s test was of faith – The fact that Peter did not believe that he would deny the Lord three times after Jesus told him he would, reveals that Peter’s faith was in the wrong place. He thought he was strong enough to take a stand for Jesus no matter what. Peter’s misplaced faith (in himself) was tested and he failed. He could have thought, "I’m not worth anything, I just failed Jesus. Why did this happen to me?" He could have gone out and do like Judas Iscariot; give up and commit suicide. But no, Peter did not do any of these things. After the test, Peter went to Galilee and waited to see Jesus again. His faith had not failed.
In spite of Peter’s ignorance, (at this time,) and failure to understand Who Jesus truly is and the kind of God He is, there was that wonderful promise Jesus made, "But I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not. And when you are converted, strengthen your brethren." Jesus did not intend for this test to crush Peter, but to prove to him Who it was that was the source of his strength.

In Conclusion – The benefits of continuing to follow God after the test, no matter what happens or happened during the test are clearly illustrated in the lives (and tests) of these three men. It is up to us what we do after the test. If we have faith in God, after the test, we will continue to walk the straight and narrow road. We won’t give up. That’s what God wants us to do after the test. That is what God wanted David and Job and Peter to do after their tests and they did it. In each case, the result was a greater blessing than they ever had been blessed with before.
I Peter 4:12-19 – says fiery trials are not to be considered as strange, but as cause for rejoicing because you are becoming a partaker in Christ’s sufferings. Though you may not understand it now, when His glory is revealed, you will be glad with exceeding joy. [This is the same Peter talking!] If you are reproached for the Name of Christ, be happy! for the Spirit of God rests on you. Your accusers are speaking evil of Jesus, but you are glorifying Him. Commit your soul to Him who has the power to keep it. He is faithful!


Editor’s Note: – Justin is our youth leader. The hand of the Lord is evident on his life and he is a faithful servant to the local church, Pastor Foreman, and to our E.D.G.E. youth group. This message is from a youth service. - mjk


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