Category: Christian living

Christian Pre-Marital Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide 

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Christian pre-marital counseling is a thoughtful and intentional process that prepares engaged couples for a lifelong, Christ-centered marriage. It goes beyond mere relationship advice, offering a spiritual, emotional, and practical foundation for a covenant that mirrors God’s love. Through a series of guided sessions, couples explore important topics such as communication, finances, faith, intimacy, and future goals—ensuring they are well-equipped to build a strong, godly marriage before they exchange vows.

Historically, this kind of preparation was the norm in Christian communities. Churches and families understood the weight of the marriage covenant and made it a priority to equip couples spiritually, emotionally, and practically before marriage.

Today, in a world where romanticized love often takes center stage, pre-marital counseling serves as a much-needed reality check. It helps couples take off the rose-tinted glasses and honestly assess the lifelong journey they’re about to begin. Rather than assuming love is enough, it asks the deeper questions:

Are we truly compatible? Are we ready to walk through life’s highs and lows as one? Are we prepared to love sacrificially, forgive quickly, and grow together in Christ?

Done with humility and openness, Christian pre-marital counseling can transform your engagement from a season of planning a wedding into a sacred time of building a marriage—with God at the center.

Who Leads Pre-Marital Counseling?

Pre-marital counseling is often led by:

Church leaders (pastors, elders, marriage mentors) Licensed Christian counselors Certified marriage coaches or mentors

If your church doesn’t offer a program, many excellent Christian-based services are available both online and in person (see resource links at the end).

Key Topics Covered in Christian Pre-Marital Counseling

1. Faith & Spiritual Foundation

Marriage is a spiritual journey that should be rooted in Christ. Christian pre-marital counseling often begins with exploring your individual relationship with God and how that will shape your union. Couples should discuss biblical roles in marriage (Ephesians 5), the importance of prayer, worship, and spiritual disciplines as a couple, and how they will build their faith life together. For many, the question of how to raise children in the faith is an important conversation.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” – Psalm 127:1

2. Communication & Conflict Resolution

How you communicate and resolve conflict can make or break a marriage. Pre-marital counseling helps couples recognize their communication styles and learn how to listen actively, speak with grace, and resolve conflicts in a healthy way. It also involves addressing common toxic patterns, such as passive-aggressive behavior, silence, and sarcasm. Couples should be equipped to handle disagreements with respect and humility, using biblical principles like Matthew 18 as a guide for resolving conflict.

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19

3. Finances

Financial compatibility is a major area of focus. Couples need to discuss their spending and saving habits, budgeting, and how to handle debt, tithing, and long-term financial planning. Financial transparency is critical, as money is often a point of contention in marriages. Pre-marital counseling offers the space to set financial goals and discuss how to manage money as a team.

“The borrower is slave to the lender.” – Proverbs 22:7

4. Life Goals & Expectations

Where do you see yourselves in 5 or 10 years? Couples should talk through their career paths, education goals, family plans, and lifestyle expectations—including housing, travel, and retirement. Discussing these details ensures that both partners have aligned visions for their future and understand each other’s dreams and ambitions.

5. Family Background & Boundaries

How does your upbringing influence your expectations of marriage? Exploring family dynamics helps couples identify patterns they want to repeat or break. An essential biblical principle is “leaving father and mother and cleaving to your wife” (Genesis 2:24). Establishing a new, independent family unit means setting boundaries with extended family and ensuring the marriage remains the central priority. Couples should also discuss how to manage family holidays and traditions while focusing on their own union.

6. Sex & Intimacy

Intimacy is an essential part of marriage. Pre-marital counseling offers couples a chance to discuss their views on sexual intimacy and the biblical view of the marriage bed (Hebrews 13:4). Couples will explore their emotional and physical expectations and consider how to protect their intimacy. It’s important to discuss love languages, emotional needs, and any past trauma that might affect intimacy in marriage. It is crucial to approach this topic wisely, focusing on creating a healthy and fulfilling intimate relationship in the present day. The emphasis should be on growing together in sexual unity, rather than measuring past histories or creating unnecessary friction, wisdom is required here.

“The two shall become one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24

7. Medical History & Health Awareness

Health plays a significant role in marriage. Couples should be open about their medical history, including any hereditary concerns like sickle cell or thalassemia. It’s also essential to discuss HIV/STI testing, mental health history, and chronic illnesses that may affect daily life or long-term plans. Being proactive in discussing health allows couples to make informed decisions together.

Core Questions to Ask Before Marriage

Spiritual Life

What does your walk with God look like? How will we grow spiritually as a couple? How will we decide on church involvement and spiritual leadership? How will we raise our children in the faith?

Communication & Conflict

What is your typical response in conflict? How do you express frustration or hurt? What makes you feel heard and valued? How do you forgive and move forward?

Finances

What is your current financial situation? How do you handle budgeting and spending? Are you comfortable with debt? What are your financial goals? Will we share bank accounts?

Life Goals

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years? What are your views on career, family, and ministry? What would “success” in marriage look like to you? How do we support each other’s dreams?

Family Dynamics

What was your parents’ marriage like? What family habits do you want to keep or change? How involved will our families be in our lives? How will we manage holidays and family expectations?

Intimacy

What makes you feel emotionally and physically close? Are there any emotional wounds or concerns to work through? What are your boundaries and expectations in this area? How will we protect our intimacy in marriage?

Health & Wellness

Have you had any medical conditions that affect daily life? Are you aware of any hereditary illnesses or risks? Have you been tested for STIs? Are there any mental health concerns to discuss?

Conclusion

Christian pre-marital counseling is a powerful tool to help couples build a marriage that honors God. By addressing these critical topics early, couples can approach marriage with wisdom, understanding, and a shared vision. However, it’s important to remember that while words and promises are vital, actions speak louder than words. As you embark on this journey, take time to observe your partner’s actions and character. Anyone can say the right things, but true commitment, integrity, and compatibility are revealed in how a person lives and responds to challenges. People usually show you who they are—believe them the first time. Ensure that you are not just hearing what your partner says but also seeing how they act, as these actions will be what shape your marriage in the long term.

If your church does not offer a program, there are many Christian-based counseling services available, both online and in person. See the links below for resources:

USA Resources 🇺🇸

Christian Pre-Marital Counseling Online

Marriage and Family Ministry

Prepare/Enrich Marriage Counseling

UK Resources 🇬🇧

Marriage Foundation

Christian Marriage Counseling

The Marriage Course

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** Photo by Cottonbro Studio at Pexels

Marriage: A God-Ordained Ministry, Not a Fairy Tale

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Marriage is one of the most sacred and beautiful institutions created by God. It’s a relationship designed to reflect the love, commitment, and sacrifice seen in Christ’s relationship with the Church. However, marriage is not a fairy tale. It’s not about living in perpetual romance or expecting your spouse to fulfill all your emotional and spiritual needs. Marriage is about partnership, service, and walking through life together, supporting and loving each other.

1. Understanding What Marriage Really Is

Marriage isn’t a quick fix for personal issues, loneliness or dissatisfaction with life. It’s not about having a partner who will complete you in every sense. Only God can truly meet your deepest needs. This is one of the most crucial things to understand before stepping into marriage: a spouse is not your Savior. A healthy marriage doesn’t hinge on the idea that one person will make the other happy all the time. That’s an unrealistic burden to place on any human being, and it’s an unfair expectation to have of your spouse.

Marriage is about coming together to fulfill God’s purposes. It’s a partnership where both people are called to love, serve, and support each other, and above all, serve God. The Bible teaches that marriage is a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the Church (Ephesians 5:32). The goal is not personal happiness alone, but to glorify God through your relationship, sharing love, sacrifice, and growth together.

2. Marriage as a Ministry

In a biblical sense, ministry is about serving others to fulfill God’s plan. While the Bible doesn’t explicitly call marriage “ministry,” the concept is deeply embedded in its teachings. Marriage is God-ordained and meant to reflect His love and purposes. Both the husband and wife are called to serve one another and, in doing so, serve God’s kingdom.

Ephesians 5:25-33 compares the relationship between husband and wife to Christ’s love for the Church. Husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the Church, while wives are called to respect and support their husbands. This mutual relationship shows that marriage is about serving one another, loving and honoring each other, and, ultimately, serving God.

Genesis 2:18 tells us that God created the woman to be a “helper” to the man. This does not suggest inferiority or subordination, but rather highlights a complementary role in which both spouses help, support, and serve each other. In this partnership, the wife is called to respect and submit to her husband’s leadership as he fulfills his God-given role (Ephesians 5:22-24), while the husband is called to lead her with selfless, sacrificial love (Ephesians 5:25-28). This mutual service and submission are not about dominance or control, but about working together to fulfill God’s purposes for their lives.

This makes marriage a ministry in the sense that both partners are working together to glorify God, reflect Christ’s love for the Church, and serve His kingdom. As both the husband and wife live out their roles in love, sacrifice, and respect, their relationship becomes a living testimony of God’s love and His redemptive work.

3. Coming into Marriage Emotionally and Spiritually Ready

Marriage is not the place to look for emotional fulfillment, healing from past wounds, or validation. While a spouse can provide support and encouragement, your primary source of identity and fulfillment must come from God. Before entering marriage, it’s important to be emotionally and spiritually secure in your relationship with God.

This doesn’t mean you have to be perfect, but it does mean you should be actively working on your relationship with God and striving for emotional maturity. Marriage isn’t about finding someone to “fix” you—it’s about two individuals, each grounded in Christ, coming together to serve one another and fulfill God’s purposes.

Practical Tip: Before entering into marriage, invest in your relationship with God. Spend time in prayer, study the Bible, and work on emotional maturity. Cultivate good habits for communication and conflict resolution. Be prepared to bring your best self into the relationship, knowing that your fulfillment ultimately comes from God.

4. The Reality of Roles and Expectations: Talking It Out

Before marriage, it’s crucial to have honest, open conversations about what you both expect in marriage. This goes beyond just the fun stuff like vacations and date nights—it involves discussing practical matters like finances, work, children, and household roles. Understanding each other’s expectations will help prevent misunderstandings later.

One area where many couples face tension is around roles in marriage, especially when it comes to work. Some men may want their wives to stay at home, while others may expect their wives to continue their careers. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The key is clear communication and mutual respect.

If the wife wants to work but the husband prefers that she stays home, it’s important to have a respectful conversation about each person’s desires, financial needs, and long-term goals. The goal is to come to an understanding and make decisions together, ensuring that both spouses are happy and fulfilling their roles as partners in ministry.

Practical Tip: Before marriage, talk about your roles and expectations. Discuss finances, career goals, children, and household responsibilities. Clear communication will help prevent surprises and set you up for a healthy, cooperative partnership.

5. The Gift of Singleness vs. Marriage

It’s essential to recognize that both singleness and marriage are gifts from God. 1 Corinthians 7 teaches that some are called to singleness, which offers a unique opportunity to serve God without the responsibilities of marriage. But for others, marriage is God’s calling, and it provides the chance to glorify Him through companionship and mutual service.

You shouldn’t rush into marriage thinking it will fix loneliness or make you feel fulfilled in ways that are better left to God. Similarly, singles shouldn’t feel incomplete or less than because they’re not married. God has a perfect plan for everyone, whether that’s a season of singleness or a lifelong marriage.

Practical Tip: Embrace your current season, whether married or single. Trust that God has a purpose for you and will use either marriage or singleness to shape you and fulfill His plan.

6. Marriage: A Lifelong Journey of Service

Marriage is not just about personal happiness. It’s about serving one another and fulfilling God’s kingdom purposes together. This means that marriage involves sacrifice, service, and ministry. It’s not just about what you can get from the relationship, but what you can give. As a husband or wife, you’re called to love and serve your spouse selflessly, just as Christ loved the Church.

In marriage, both the husband and wife are helpers to each other (Genesis 2:18), fulfilling complementary roles that reflect God’s design. Marriage is meant to be a team effort, where both partners are committed to each other and to serving God together.

Practical Tip: Keep God at the center of your marriage. Your relationship is not just about you and your spouse—it’s about glorifying God. Look for ways to serve each other, pray together, and use your marriage as a platform to minister to others.

How God Prepares a Woman to Be a Godly Wife

Many women desire to be a godly wife to a godly man, but what does that actually mean? How does God prepare a woman for marriage in a way that aligns with His will? The truth is, preparation isn’t just about finding the right man—it’s about becoming the right woman. Before God entrusts someone with a marriage, He often takes them through a season of growth, refinement, and preparation.

Here are some key ways God prepares a woman to be a godly wife:

1. Strengthening Her Relationship with Him First

Before marriage, a woman’s first priority should be her relationship with God. A strong marriage requires a foundation in Christ, and that begins long before saying, “I do.”

Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” God teaches a woman to depend on Him first, so she doesn’t expect a husband to fill a role only God can.

This season of preparation is about learning to trust, listen, and obey God, which will later help her support and encourage her husband spiritually.

2. Developing Her Character and Heart

Marriage is not just about romance—it’s about selflessness, patience, and grace. A woman who desires to be a godly wife must first allow God to shape her heart.

Proverbs 31:10-12 describes a virtuous woman as someone who brings good to her husband all the days of her life—not just after marriage. God often refines a woman’s patience, humility, and kindness through everyday life experiences, relationships, and even trials.

If a woman struggles with pride, impatience, or resentment, marriage will only magnify those issues. God prepares her by teaching her how to love, serve, and forgive before she ever steps into marriage.

3. Healing from Past Wounds and Finding Wholeness in Christ

Many people enter relationships hoping their partner will “fix” them or make them feel whole. But true wholeness comes from Christ, not a spouse.

Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” If a woman has past wounds from relationships, family struggles, or insecurities, God may take her through a healing process before leading her into marriage.

This might involve letting go of past hurts, setting healthy boundaries, and learning to see herself through God’s eyes. A healthy marriage is built on two whole individuals, not two broken people looking for completion in each other.

4. Teaching Her Wisdom and Discernment

Not every relationship is from God, and not every man is a godly man. A woman must learn to recognize the difference between a relationship that aligns with God’s will and one that only serves temporary desires.

Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” God often teaches discernment through past experiences, the guidance of His Word, and wise counsel from mentors or spiritual leaders.

This preparation helps her recognize a man who genuinely seeks after God rather than one who just plays the part.

5. Growing in Her Purpose and Calling

A woman is not just called to be a wife—she has her own God-given purpose. Before marriage, God may lead her to grow in her personal calling, whether that’s in ministry, career, or serving others.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has a plan for each of us, even before marriage. A woman who walks confidently in her calling is more prepared to complement and support her future husband in his calling.

Marriage is about two people serving God together, not one person losing themselves in the other.

6. Learning the Skills Needed for a Godly Marriage

While love is important, practical skills are just as necessary for a strong marriage. God may prepare a woman by teaching her:

Communication skills – Knowing how to express thoughts and feelings in a way that builds, not breaks. Conflict resolution – Learning how to handle disagreements with grace and patience. Serving with love – A godly wife serves her family, not out of obligation, but out of love (Mark 10:45). Financial wisdom – Managing resources wisely to build a strong household (Proverbs 31:16-18).

These skills can be developed in everyday life, long before marriage, through friendships, work, and church involvement.

7. Trusting in God’s Timing

Perhaps the hardest part of preparation is waiting. Many women wonder, “When will it be my turn?” But God’s timing is always perfect.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Rushing into marriage out of impatience can lead to heartache, while waiting on God ensures His best.

In this waiting season, God teaches a woman to trust Him fully, finding joy and contentment in the present rather than worrying about the future.

Final Thoughts

Being prepared for marriage isn’t just about waiting for the right man—it’s about becoming the right woman. God’s process of preparation isn’t always easy, but it’s always purposeful. He strengthens faith, builds character, brings healing, teaches wisdom, and aligns a woman’s heart with His.

If marriage is in His plan, He will bring the right person at the right time. Until then, the best thing any woman can do is grow in her relationship with God, embrace the season she’s in, and trust that His plan is always better than her own.

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** Photo by Jonathan Borba at Pexels

Trusting God’s Will: Finding Peace in Surrender

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In a world that often encourages control, ambition, and personal success, it is easy to fall into the trap of believing that we can dictate our own outcomes. We plan, strive, and expect life to unfold according to our desires. But when things do not go our way, we become frustrated—sometimes even angry at God. However, Scripture reminds us that our plans are not ultimate; only God’s will prevails.

God Alone is in Control

We cannot control other people, nor can we force circumstances to conform to our will. Proverbs 16:9 tells us, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” This truth challenges our human desire for control. We often enter situations with preconceived notions of how they should unfold, and when they don’t, we blame others, complain about life’s unfairness, or feel discontent.

But why should we let unmet expectations rob us of peace? Jesus Himself taught us to pray, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Surrendering to God’s will is not about passivity—it is about trust. It is about acknowledging that He sees the whole picture while we only see a fragment. His wisdom is infinite, and His plans are far greater than ours.

His Grace is Sufficient for Today

Instead of chasing after the wind—seeking fulfillment in things that will never satisfy—why not rest in the sufficiency of God’s grace? The Apostle Paul, despite enduring trials, declared, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Each day, God provides exactly what we need to endure, to thrive, and to glorify Him. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), a fresh reminder that He sustains us, no matter what yesterday held.

Choosing Gratitude Over Discontent

Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what God has abundantly provided. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” When we live with gratitude, we stop seeing life as a series of disappointments and instead recognize each moment as a gift from God.

If we truly trust that our Heavenly Father knows us better than we know ourselves, then why do we resist His plan? Why do we struggle to obey when He has ordained our lives before the foundation of the earth (Ephesians 1:4)? The choice is clear—we can either walk in obedience, resting in His perfect will, or we can resist and continue striving in vain.

A Call to Surrender

Ultimately, our role is not to manipulate outcomes but to trust in the One who controls them. Our task is not to demand that God follow our script but to surrender joyfully to His perfect plan. When we release our grip on control, we find true peace—the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Let us, then, be content in the day the Lord has given us. Let us rest in His grace, trust in His mercies, and live with gratitude. And above all, let us surrender our will to the One who holds all things in His hands. For His will be done—not ours.

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** Photo by Irina Iriser

How Satan Uses Offense To Trap You

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In life, we can’t avoid experiencing offense. However, the Bible does command us as believers to ensure we are not offending other people (Luke 17:1). How you deal with it when it comes–whether you take offense and let it become a demonic trap or use it as an opportunity to grow—is really up to you. 

What’s interesting is that the word “offense” used in the New Testament is scandalon. Scandalon was the trigger of a trap on which bait is placed. When an animal touched the trigger to eat the bait, the trap would spring shut and the animal would get caught. Offense works the same way. Whether the hurt was intentional or not makes no difference—the bait is laid, and if you take it, the trap springs shut, leading to unforgiveness and bitterness. Here is how offense looks and how to overcome it.

Offense is a stumbling block to your destiny. 

The Profile of an Offended Person

  1. Entitlement – An offended person feels like they are owed something. They value what they have in themselves and feel like they worked very hard and deserve to be elevated. When they don’t receive what they believe they deserve, they feel rejected and become offended.
  2. Pride – Pride makes people blind to their own flaws and causes them to blame others for their downfall. When corrected, they interpret it as, “I messed up again,” rather than seeing it as an opportunity for growth.
  3. Focus on Unfairness – Offended people often feel that church leaders and others treat them unfairly. They get hurt when their gifts are not recognized and build resentment. Many times, God allows perceived unfairness to test and refine our character.
  4. Control – Offended people often desire to control situations. When they cannot have things their way, they get offended and leave relationships or churches. If they had stayed under strong, anointed leadership that didn’t cater to their selfish ambitions, they would have received the healing they didn’t even realize they needed.

How to Overcome Offense

Offense focuses your attention on what people did rather than what God is doing. 

It blinds you to God’s timing and purpose, keeping you stuck in bitterness instead of moving forward in faith. Here’s how to overcome it.

1. When Your Heart is Hardened, Good Things Happening to You Will Not Change It

First off, it’s important to understand that people whose hearts are hardened by offense think that if their environment changes, they will no longer be offended. But, a hardened heart does not soften just because circumstances improve.

Psalm 95:7-11 and Hebrews repeat the warning: “When you hear my voice, do not harden your heart, as in the day of wilderness, when your fathers saw my works, yet they rebelled against me.” The Israelites saw miracles, yet they remained hardened in their hearts. Even with a great leader like Moses and supernatural provision, their offense remained.

2. Take God Very Seriously, and Stop Taking Yourself Too Seriously

Secondly, know that offended people are often obsessed with themselves. In many cases, they become overly sensitive to what others say but are not sensitive enough to the Holy Spirit. Instead of living in constant offense, we should humble ourselves, focus on God, and learn to live with a servant’s heart.

3. Keep Your Heart Right When Things Are Not Right

Another key step in overcoming offense is understanding that while justice, mercy, and humility are essential, the enemy uses injustice to create offense in our hearts. If things are not right around you, don’t let your heart become sick. You can advocate for change, but never let offense take root.

4. Never Grow Out of Repentance

Next, choose to offer forgiveness to those who have hurt you. I’ve noticed that if you wait too long to forgive, your hurt will turn into bitterness and offense. Unforgiveness will do more damage to you than what others did. Growth in God means constant repentance and humility.

Never outgrow your need for repentance.

5. Lean Into Awkward Conversations

And lastly, the Bible tells us in Matthew 5:23 that, “If you bring your gift to the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there and first be reconciled.”

In other words, if you know someone is offended at you, it is your responsibility to go to them. Instead of defending yourself, hear them out, affirm their feelings, and take responsibility where necessary. Many relationships have been healed through this approach. Unfortunately, instead of going to the person, people often gossip and build “us versus them” cultures, which only fuels division and offense.

Don’t let Satan trap you; instead, choose to walk away from offense, deny yourself, and follow Jesus. I pray this helps.

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**By Vlad Savchuk at Vladimir Savchuk Ministries / Photo by ClickerHappy at Pexels

7 Signs God May Be Testing You

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“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” ~ 1 Peter 4:12-19 NKJV

Often times, as born again believers we face difficult situations and wonder if there are deeper reasons for that trial. The Bible teaches that there are certain instances where God uses a circumstance to test us and our hearts. Here are seven signs that God is testing you, with each one serving to reveal, refine, and strengthen your faith.

Seven Signs God May Be Testing You

1. Unusual Delays

When God allows for unusual delays, it’s a test. We see this in the example of Abraham. The testing of Abraham was used to refine his trust and patience in God (Genesis 21:1-3).

Often, unusual delays may show that the test is from God. These sorts of tests reveal things in our hearts and refine our character, perfecting our patience. Ultimately, the lessons learned in these seasons are things that no other season in our lives would show us.

2. Facing Impossible Situations

Secondly, another tell-tale sign is when you’re facing impossible situations. We see in the Bible that God tested Moses and the Israelites by allowing them to face the Red Sea and fear the reality of Pharaoh behind them (Exodus 14:13-14).

If you’re facing an impossible situation, God is not trying to drown you or destroy you. He is testing you. Your fear and doubt may come to the surface during those times, but God desires to bring it up to remove it from within you.

3. Struggles with Provision

Next, when you struggle with provision, you might be tested by God.

It’s easy sometimes for those of us in a spiritual warfare camp to shift blame always on the devil, especially when experiencing financial issues. But sometimes, the Lord might be testing us, just as He did with Israel when they faced lack in the promised land (Deuteronomy 8:3).

God wasn’t attacking them but was revealing, refining, training, and perfecting them. He did provide for them, but He also wanted to perfect them. God is not just interested in providing for you. He’s interested in perfecting you.

4. Trials of Suffering

Another important thing to remember is that trials of suffering often mean experiencing loss and hardship. For instance, in Scripture we see that Job experienced intense suffering, loss, and hardship. During his suffering, we see that Job worshipped even in his grief (Job 1:20-21). He didn’t have answers but chose to trust.

If you’re experiencing this sort of test, it’s important to remember that the way trust in God is expressed is through worship. Life on earth is really a series of losses. Grasping that reality can help you get through trials, knowing life is temporary, and eternal life is what really matters.

5. Temptations to Compromise

Next, when you’re facing temptations to compromise, it’s a test.

Daniel was tested to see if he would conform to Babylonian customs (Daniel 6:10). In the same way, God may test your integrity and obedience to His word in situations where obeying Him might cost you. In temptation, the enemy entices you to sin, but God reveals what’s in your heart, refines your character, perfects your godliness, and trains you in righteousness.

6. Opportunity to Help Others

When you have the opportunity to help others despite being in hardship, it’s a test.

In scripture, we see that Joseph, despite his own hardships, was faithful in serving others (Genesis 39:4-5). Often, God tests our willingness to serve and bless others, even in difficult situations. Joseph, even while imprisoned, served his fellow prisoners and interpreted their dreams.

It’s a test: Will you show up and help others when you’re struggling? Remember, you’re not giving out of your lack but from what Jesus has given you.

7. Silence from God

Lastly, experiencing silence from God can be a test.

Jesus was tested in the wilderness during a period of isolation and silence, with only the voices of Satan. Sometimes, when God is “silent,” it’s because the test is in progress (Matthew 4:1-2).

When God is silent, remember everything He’s taught you prior. The silence is not abandonment but a test.

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**By Pastor Vladimir Savchuk / Photo by Louis Bauer at Pexels