We have been in a series called Tested. We’ve discussed the tests of Abraham, Jonah, Jacob and Job. It has become clear that no matter your station in life – sinner or saint – everyone’s faith will be tested and verified by God.

The test of these biblical heroes run the gamut in magnitude. But we have learned that though trials may come in all shapes and sizes, God is still Lord over them all.

I’ve noticed in my own life that I’ve started to lack the ability to be uncomfortable for God. I mean, I don’t mind discomfort or awkwardness for the things I personally want. But I’ve notice that during this pandemic, I have a real limit for what God wants.
Here is what I think my issue is:
If I’m doing it for God, He ought to move things around to help it get done. After all, I’m doing it for Him right? Wrong!
As clear as day, I heard the Holy Spirit say to me. “So, you want me to serve you, while you’re serving me”?

Somewhere along the way the church has altered the narrative of believers in Christianity to “Its all easy with God. You won’t feel a thing come and follow Him.”
No wonder we want to quit during the slightest struggle. “Suffering” has become a dirty word among believers.

2 Timothy 2:12

If you remove the suffering, you remove the glory.

Remove the cross, and you lose the crown as well. Remember this: when you pray for God to fix things and He doesn’t fix.

Would you still serve God if you asked Him to change things and they remained the same?
So many are convinced that if God doesn’t move for them, He has turned His back on them. How could this be when God’s strength is made perfect, in our weakness?

2 Corinthians 12:9

Psalm 30:5

Before we may enjoy the unspeakable joy that comes in the morning, we all must learn to endure the nights in Christ as well!

The church has to find its way back to the message of Antioch.
Sacrifice was part of the fellowship!

Romans 12:1

It was in the DNA of their belief.

Acts 7:54-60

Acts 8:1

Acts 8:3

Acts 9:1-2

This doesn’t sound like the Paul we know but test have a way of transforming you.
On Saul’s way to Damascus to persecute the church, he had an encounter with Jesus.

Acts 9:3-7

When God wants to reach you, He can speak to you anywhere.

Acts 9:8-9

Sometimes, God will allow you to experience things you don’t want just so you can see things that you otherwise wouldn’t!

Acts 9:15

Paul became a sacrifice specialist!

Some of our suffering is divinely inspired, but some we create ourselves. Suffering we have control over we really could do without if we would just focus on the Word and not the circumstances.

The Word not only reveals the blessings in life, but it will also show you the lessons inside of blessings

Ephesians 1:4

Thank God that He overlooks our character.
We are all on the road to Damasks and don’t even know it.

If you have not had an encounter with God trust that you have one coming, and just like Saul’s, it will transform you.

After you have an encounter with Jesus, you will still have struggles and test.

2 Corinthians 11:23-28

So terrible and, yet the Lord sustained him through it all.

Would any of us dare boast we could keep our faith with such sacrifice?

We are so quick to long for the gifting of another person but don’t have the stomach for the test and trials that verified them in their calling of the kingdom of God!

Choosing God may cause you to give up the people closest to you.

If anyone could have been disillusioned about the benefits of serving Jesus, it should have been Saul.
When I listen to the struggles of Saul, I just say, “Thank you Lord!””

Saul got the lesson. No matter the trial, Jesus kept him at every level of conflict. Each hardship was overcome, and it was increasing his confidence in Christ.

Do you come through the test fearful or faithful?
Are you bitter or better for it?

1 Timothy 1:15

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

God is building in you a faith that cannot be shaken.

He chose you for a work in his kingdom before the foundations of the Earth. Stop letting God’s purification process talk you out of your rewards.

James 1:4

If God can transform Saul into Paul, what can He do with you?

Acts 7:55