At some point every child of God will have their faith tested. From the great patriarch Abraham right down to Jairus we all go through the trials of life. These trials are not to hurt us but to help us. 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
Before we go any further we must understand the difference between TESTING and TEMPTING. Tempting is what is done in our weakness to make us fall, and is the work of Satan. Testing is done in our strengths to make us follow, and is the work of God. James 1:13-14 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
I. HOW GOD TESTS OUR FAITH:
A. BY THE DIFFICULTIES THAT THRONG US:
Mark 5:24 And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him,
and thronged him. It was bad enough that his girl was dying but
it seems the problems continue to grow bigger and bigger. It must
have seemed to Jairus that it was taking forever for Jesus to
get through the crowd.
B. BY THE DELAYS THAT TRY US:
Mark 5:30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue
had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said,
Who touched my clothes?
Jairus was no doubt anxious, impatient, and in a hurry. Here Jesus is stopping to talk with this lady. I can imagine Jairus whispering to himself “come on Jesus time is running out. Many have been the times when we felt as if the Lord would never answer our prayers.
C.BY THE DEFEATS THAT TROUBLE US:
Mark 5:35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the
synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why
troublest thou the Master any further? Here is defeat as great
as could ever be experienced, Jairus in faith had sought the Lord
to help him, and now his daughter is dead. Is it not true that
often times we have prayed, worked and sacrificed, yet in spite
of all the labour, defeat came!
D.BY THE DOUBTS THAT TAKE US:
Jairus surely must have felt, “It’s no use now.” Maybe even the devil whispers to Jairus, I told you so.
E. BY THE DISMAY THAT TORMENTS US: Mark 5:38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. His whole house weeping and bewailing.
II. WHY GOD TESTS OUR FAITH:
A. TO TEACH US: To wait on him. It probably was tempting to Jairus to just walk away. It would have been easy for him to have left to be with his family. We like he must stay with it.
B. TO TENDER US: Some times this life can cause us to become hard and calloused. We are often hurt by those we least expect it from. This hardens us.
C. TO TOUGHEN US:
Tomorrow's battles will be greater and more intense; therefore
we must be tougher to endure.
D. TO TRAIN US: Smooth waters never make good sailors.
E. TO CAUSE US TO TRUST HIM:
Mark 5:36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
Jairus just took Jesus at His word. This is a great example for all to follow.
Job through all his trials could trust Him. Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
III. WHAT WILL YOU DO WHEN GOD TESTS YOUR FAITH?
A. REBELL- Sometimes if God does not answer or deliver when we think he should we rebel. We look for help in other places and miss the blessings of God.
B. REST – Just let God meet the need.
C. REJOICE_ Mark 5:42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
There was no doubt a time of great rejoicing at the house of Jairus that day. What will you do when God tests your faith.