I can still remember the time, not so long ago, when I realized that the season of discouragement I was in was actually a big, fat test.
Before that, I wavered for years between being high on hope and totally confused about what I was supposed to be doing with my life. There were many days where I seriously asked God if I should just give up and go back to what was comfortable and familiar.
And then one day, I had an epiphany: I thought to myself “Wait a minute, this is not from God. None of what I am thinking and feeling are from Him.” Instead, I understood it was all a test.
And just like that, I was determined to pass. Not just for the season I was in but for every challenge ahead.
It became a mantra: I will pass the test.
If you’ve ever gone through a time when the pressure felt relentless and you weren’t sure if God was present, I’m here to tell you- He is right there alongside you.
Think of a time when you prayed, waited, hoped, and prayed again and still the situation remained unchanged. In these moments, it is so easy to want to take control and stop asking for and expecting a change.
You start to wonder if trusting God is actually costing you something, or if waiting means missing out.
I believe these moments reveal our faith.
When you find yourself in a place of confusion, doubt, or discouragement, see it as an opportunity to grow by refusing to give in to the lies and deceptions of the enemy.
They Not Like Us…Or Are They?
Even the best known men and women in the bible who we all know today were greatly tested before God used them in powerful ways.
King David started off as a young teen shepherd who was overlooked by his own family. Nobody say great potential in him. While he waited many years to step into his role as King, he was relentlessly chased and targeted by King Saul for no reason at all! And yet, he never wavered in who he worshipped.
Moses was raised in the status and privilege of King Pharoah’s palace but after impulsively killing an Egyptian, fled to the wildnerness where God quietly prepared him for 40 years before calling him back to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.
Joseph was despised by his own brothers who plotted against him and sold him into slavery! During this time, he was falsely accused by his master’s wife and imprisoned. Through it all, he remained faithful to God. God used this time to develop his character and wisdom and eventually promoted him to a high ranking position in which Joseph saved entire nations.
Each of these men were ordinary just like me and you and yet, God chose to use them in mighty ways. But before he could use them, they had to wait and endure unthinkable pain and challenges.
God allows testing seasons to do what is necessary before he elevates you and fulfills his calling in your life. He refines your faith, strengthens your character, and prepares you in the smallest ways for what lies ahead.
The enemy, however, has a different agenda. He uses the same circumstances to stir doubt, impatience, and fear. While God is working for your good, the enemy is hoping you’ll abandon trust altogether. The situation may look the same, but the purpose behind it is entirely different.
Here’s where many of us fall short- when answers don’t come fast enough, we justify shortcuts. We convince ourselves that acting now is wisdom, that forcing movement is better than waiting.
And this is dangerous because acting outside of God’s timing—no matter how sensible it seems—can delay or derail what He’s trying to accomplish in our lives.
Passing the Test- Alignment Over Perfection
If you want to pass the test, it’s not about having all the right answers; it’s about having the right posture. Attitude matters. Have gratitude over resentment, trust over fear, and surrender over control.
Fortitude matters too—when emotions fluctuate and circumstances challenge your resolve, remain obedient- refuse to let the tactics of the enemy succeed. Be steadfast.
All of this leads to spiritual growth and maturity, which is necessary before a breakthrough.
Romans 8:28 tells us that God works all things for good. We don’t always see it but this is where we can sharpen our discernment and recognize that not every opportunity is an assignment and not every open door is from God.
True discernment requires patience, humility, and trust that God’s timing is intentional.
Regardless of how things may appear, you are being prepared in this very moment. God is shaping your faith, refining your character, and teaching you to trust Him more deeply. Stay obedient. Stay faithful.
Passing the test today positions you for the promises of tomorrow.
Pursu Agency