"How God Meets Your Deepest Needs" in American Sign LanguageSample

Trials Test Your Faith
By Rick Warren

"These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold." (1 Peter 1:7a NLT)

God has promised to “meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19 NIV). But with every promise, there is a condition. God wants you to learn to trust him more so that he can meet your needs and bless your life.

You learn to trust God more by having your faith stretched by trials. The more your faith is stretched, the more God is able to bless your life.

You might find yourself experiencing one of the first two trials — the tests of pressure and people. Yesterday, I mentioned two common trials that God uses to develop your faith so you can trust him more. Here are two more:

3. The Persistence Test

The persistence test answers the question: "Will I keep my commitments?" Life is about making commitments. The problem we have today is that most people are half committed to two dozen things instead of being totally committed to the one or two things in life that really matter for now and eternity. That’s a waste!

Weak people give excuses. Wise people find the time and way to do what they say they will do. Do you want to be a weak person or a wise person? This is a test of the kind of character you’re going to develop.

4. The Priorities Test

This is the most important test, asking, "Who will be first in your life?"

How do you know if God is your life's first priority? Ask yourself three questions: What do you think about the most? Where does your money go first? How do you spend your time? Your answers will reveal the priorities in your life.

God has eternal rewards in store for you if you pass these tests: “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12 NLT). A crown of life symbolizes all that God wants to do in your life — all the blessings he wants to bestow on you, all the needs he wants to meet, and all the rewards he wants to give you in Heaven. What a deal!

Talk It Over

How would you rate yourself on following through on commitments? What areas do you need to simplify to give 100 percent to your commitments?

How would you answer the three questions that reveal your priorities? How do you need to change your priorities?