Scripture is replete with examples of divine tests — seasons and circumstances God allows His people to pass through to reveal and refine the condition of their hearts. Unfortunately, many believers today misunderstand the purpose of testing and trials. When hardship arises, they assume it’s either demonic or due to their failure. However, a mature view of God’s dealings helps us recognize that even our tests are redemptive, purposeful, and fatherly.
The objective of this article is to equip the people of God to understand His ways more deeply so they can mature into the image of Christ. Every test, if responded to in faith, can be a catalyst for spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God.
Here are 13 kinds of divine tests Christ followers face.
The Test of Lack
Example: The Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16–17)
When God led His people out of Egypt, He deliberately took them into the wilderness — a place with no visible provision. Why? To test what was in their hearts (Deuteronomy 8:2). Sadly, the Israelites failed this test. Instead of trusting the God who had just split the Red Sea, they grumbled and fantasized about returning to Egypt.
This test reveals whether we trust God when resources are scarce. Will we trust Jehovah Jireh even when the pantry is empty, or will we panic, complain, and revert to old comforts?
The Test of Suffering
Example: Job
Job didn’t suffer because he was unrighteous but because he was righteous. God even said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job?” (Job 1:8). His suffering was a test of integrity, faith, and perseverance.
This test exposes whether we love God for who He is or for what He gives. The mature believer says with Job, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15).
The Test of Praise
Example: “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise” Proverbs 27:21).
Praise is a strange but subtle test. Can we receive applause without being seduced by it? Many leaders have fallen not because of hardship, but because of flattery. This test reveals whether we crave the affirmation of man more than the approval of God.
The Test of Affluence
Example: Solomon
Prosperity is often a more difficult test than poverty. When Solomon was humble, he asked for wisdom. But in his later years, affluence and compromise eroded his devotion.
Can God trust you with wealth without it corrupting your heart? This test reveals whether your heart worships the Giver or the gifts.
The Test of Spiritual Warfare
Example: Ephesians 6:10–13
Spiritual warfare isn’t a side issue in the Christian life — it’s a constant reality. Paul reminds us to put on the full armor of God to withstand the evil day.
This test reveals whether we recognize the spiritual dimension behind trials and whether we stand firm or collapse when opposition intensifies. The greater the calling upon your life, the more intense will be the spiritual opposition (1 Corinthians 16:9).
The Test of Persecution
Example: Matthew 5:10–12
Jesus promised that His followers would be persecuted. The early Church was forged in the fires of persecution, and history shows the Church often thrives under it.
Persecution tests our allegiance. Will we compromise to fit in, or will we stand boldly for truth even if it costs us everything?
The Test of Betrayal
Example: David and Absalom (2 Samuel 15)
There’s no pain like betrayal — especially from those we love and have invested in. David’s own son conspired against him.
This test examines whether we will become bitter or entrust our pain to God. Jesus Himself was denied by Peter and betrayed by Judas, yet He kept His heart pure towards the Father.
The Test of Delayed Answers to Prayer
Example: The persistent widow (Luke 18:1–8)
Jesus taught persistence in prayer precisely because delays can be discouraging. Many lose heart when their prayers aren’t immediately answered.
This test reveals whether we trust God’s timing more than our own. Do we continue to pray and believe, or do we give up prematurely?
The Test of Lack of Affirmation
Example: David being overlooked by his father (1 Samuel 16)
When Samuel came to anoint a king, Jesse didn’t even consider David. Yet God saw what man overlooked.
Many experience this test when others don’t recognize their calling. Will you still serve faithfully in obscurity, trusting that God sees and promotes in due time?
The Test of God’s Silence
Example: Psalm 13, Psalm 22
Sometimes God seems silent when we need Him most. Even David cried, “My God, why have You forsaken me?” Jesus echoed these same words from the cross.
This test reveals whether we walk by faith or only by feelings. Will we trust Him even when we cannot trace Him?
The Test of Loving People Unconditionally
Example: John 13:34–35; 1 Corinthians 13
Jesus said the world will know we are His disciples by our love — not by our preaching or miracles. Loving unlovable people, forgiving enemies, and serving without reciprocity is a divine test.
This tests whether we’re walking in the Spirit or merely in emotion. Unconditional love is impossible without the indwelling power of Christ.
The Test of Physical Pain
Example: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10
Paul endured a “thorn in the flesh.” While we can debate the nature of this affliction, what’s clear is that it was a test of weakness. God’s power was made perfect not in Paul’s strength, but in his frailty.
This test asks: Can you glorify God in your body even when it’s broken? Will you declare His faithfulness even through excruciating physical hardships? Second Corinthians 11:17-12:8 illustrates the nature of the thorn in the flesh was a demonic being that followed Paul and riled up persecution and outside interference like shipwrecks.
The Test of Delayed Promises
Example: Abraham waiting for Isaac (Romans 4:17–20, Hebrews 6:19)
Abraham waited decades for the fulfillment of God’s promise that he and his barren wife would have a son. The longer the delay, the more his faith grew. He didn’t waver but was strengthened in faith.
This test reveals whether we can live in hope with patience. Will we believe God even when the promise looks impossible?
Every believer will face one or more of these tests. Some may cycle through all of them multiple times throughout their life. The goal of testing is never to destroy but to develop. God prunes what He loves and tests what He intends to use.
As James 1:2–4 says:
Beloved, don’t fear the test — embrace it. For on the other side of every test is a greater revelation of God, a deepened character, and a faith refined like gold.
The cross itself was the ultimate test — and the resurrection was the reward. May we, too, pass our tests with perseverance, humility, and hope.
Dr. Joseph Mattera is an internationally known author, consultant, and theologian whose mission is to influence leaders who influence culture. He is the founding pastor of Resurrection Church, and leads several organizations, including The U.S. Coalition of Apostolic Leaders and Christ Covenant Coalition. He also is the author of 13 bestselling books, including his latest The Global Apostolic Movement and the Progress of the Gospel, and is renowned for applying Scripture to contemporary culture.
