Category: Trials

Going From Calling to Confirmation

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Life is often marked by seasons, and just like the natural world transitions from spring to summer to fall and winter, our lives are shaped by different stages of growth, challenge, and fulfillment (Gen 8:22). In the story of Joseph, we see how God uses these different seasons to develop us. 

Each season in Joseph’s life is represented by a coat, which marked a unique purpose and challenge for that time period. Here is what these different “coats” can teach us about God’s work in developing us.

The Four Coats of Joseph’s Journey

1. The Coat of Calling (Genesis 37:3)

When Joseph’s father gifts him a tunic, it marked a season of calling in Joseph’s life, where God began to reveal His plans and purpose. This was a good season—a time when Joseph received dreams from God. These dreams showed him as a leader, with his brothers and even the stars bowing before him.

Similarly, we experience a stage like this when God initially calls us. This coat represents the initial call in your life. It’s the season when God plants the seed of a promise, giving you glimpses of your potential and His plans. However, this season is not without its challenges. For Joseph, the very dreams that inspired him also caused jealousy and hatred among his brothers.

The coat of calling teaches us that the favor of God doesn’t exempt us from trials. Instead, it sets the stage for the growth and testing needed to fulfill the promise.

2. The Coat of Contradiction (Genesis 39:16)

The coat of contradiction came into play when Joseph’s brothers stripped him of his tunic. They dipped it in blood and sold him into slavery, sending him far from the dreams he once had. In Potiphar’s house, Joseph served faithfully, but while he was there, the challenges only grew. Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him of sexual assault and Joseph was thrown into prison.

For many of us, this season represents the times when life seems to contradict the promises of God. Experiencing this season is difficult and confusing. At this point in the story, Joseph’s reality looked nothing like his dreams. He was no longer wearing the coat of calling but was instead enduring betrayal, false accusations, and injustice.

Despite the difficulty of this season, wearing this coat reminds us that the promises of God often lead us through times when our path doesn’t quite make sense to us. In these moments, hold onto the call God gave you, even when circumstances oppose it.

3. The Coat of Confinement (Genesis 41:14)

Further in the story, we see that Joseph is thrown into prison, where he learns to wear the coat of confinement. This was a hellish season filled with isolation and delay. Yet even here, God was with Joseph. The Bible says, “And the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison” (Gen 39:21).

In this season, Joseph’s faith was tested deeply. Despite being in prison, he used the gifts that God had given him to serve others. Even though his own dreams seemed forgotten, Joseph chose to serve faithfully.

The coat of confinement represents the times when you feel stuck, waiting for God’s promises to unfold. In this season of preparation, God is working on your character and faith. Remain patient and continue to serve others.

4. The Coat of Confirmation (Genesis 41:42)

Lastly, we see in Joseph’s story that it wasn’t until after he had endured many trials and confusing times that his season finally shifted. The Bible says that Pharaoh called him out of prison, and Joseph’s garments were changed once again. This time, Pharaoh placed a royal garment on him, signifying his rise to leadership. Genesis 41:42 says, “Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen.”

This coat represents the fulfillment of God’s promises. It is the season of confirmation, where everything God has spoken over your life begins to come to pass. Joseph’s journey became one that fulfilled the dream he had received years prior. In the end, we see that he forgave his brothers, stating, “What you meant for evil, God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).

The coat of confirmation reminds us that God’s timing is perfect. The hardships and delays we face are all part of His plan to prepare us for the destiny He has for us.

Final Thoughts

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Remember that every season has a purpose. Whatever season you find yourself in, trust that God is at work. He is using every coat, every trial, and every triumph to develop you into the person He has called you to be.

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*** By Vladimir Savchuk at HungryGen / Photo by Keenan Constance 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

In God’s Will: When Obedience Costs Everything

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What does it truly mean to walk in the will of the Lord? Often, following God means swimming against the current of human expectations, risking rejection, and sacrificing comfort. The Bible is replete with stories of individuals who remained faithful to God’s call, even when they were criticized, misunderstood, or seemingly abandoned. Their examples challenge us to ask: Are we seeking God’s approval or the world’s? Are we willing to serve where He places us, whether in the spotlight or in obscurity?

Living in God’s will isn’t about earthly popularity or personal ambition. It’s about surrender, obedience, and faithfulness—whether our path leads to acclaim or hardship.

1. Obedience Often Invites Opposition

From the earliest pages of Scripture, we see that walking in obedience to God frequently comes at a cost. The world’s values often clash with God’s standards, and His servants are called to choose between human approval and divine allegiance.

• Noah: Noah was asked to build an ark in a time when rain, let alone a flood, seemed implausible. For decades, he endured mockery from a corrupt generation, yet he obeyed God without wavering (Genesis 6:9-22, Hebrews 11:7). Noah’s story reminds us that obedience may isolate us but positions us to receive God’s protection and favor.

• Jeremiah: Known as the “weeping prophet,” Jeremiah was tasked with delivering messages of judgment to a rebellious people. He faced imprisonment, public scorn, and even death threats (Jeremiah 20:1-2, Jeremiah 26:8-9). Despite his suffering, Jeremiah remained faithful, demonstrating that obedience to God sometimes means bearing burdens no one else understands.

• Jesus Christ: The perfect example of obedience, Jesus consistently chose the will of the Father over human approval. He healed the sick, forgave sinners, and preached the kingdom of God, yet He was despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3, John 1:11). Even in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). His life teaches us that the cost of obedience is worth it because it fulfills God’s ultimate purpose.

2. God’s Ways Are Higher

Scripture reminds us that God’s plans often defy human logic and expectations: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:8). Walking in the will of God requires trust in His sovereignty, even when His path seems counterintuitive or unpopular. Consider the Apostle Paul, who left a promising career as a Pharisee to follow Christ, facing beatings, imprisonment, and ultimately martyrdom (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). His motivation? To please God, not man (Galatians 1:10).

3. Eternal Rewards for Faithfulness

While obedience to God may bring earthly challenges, it also brings eternal rewards. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness.” Those who remain faithful to God will be honored by Him, even if they are disregarded by the world.

Staying Faithful Where You Are

1. God Often Prepares Us in Obscurity

Many of God’s servants were shaped by years of quiet preparation before stepping into their ultimate calling.

• Moses: Before leading Israel, Moses spent 40 years tending sheep in Midian (Exodus 3:1). This seemingly mundane task was God’s training ground, teaching him patience, humility, and reliance on divine guidance. When Moses later faced opposition from the Israelites in the wilderness, his years in obscurity had prepared him to lead with perseverance.

• David: Before becoming king, David spent years as a shepherd and later as a fugitive, fleeing from Saul. These years of obscurity taught him to trust God in all circumstances, a lesson reflected in his psalms (Psalm 23, Psalm 27).

2. Faithfulness in Small Things

Jesus emphasized the importance of being faithful in the small, unseen tasks: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much” (Luke 16:10). Whether serving as a shepherd like Moses or simply remaining steadfast in prayer, God sees and values our faithfulness.

3. Perseverance Through Rejection

Jesus Himself experienced rejection by His own people: “No prophet is accepted in his hometown” (Luke 4:24). Yet He continued His mission, modeling for us the importance of serving where God places us, regardless of recognition. Similarly, Paul encouraged believers: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Key Takeaways for Us Today

1. God’s Sovereignty Over Popularity

Walking in God’s will requires surrendering our desire for approval and trusting His higher purposes. Whether we are called to stand boldly like Jeremiah or serve quietly like Moses, our focus should be on pleasing Him, not the crowd (Proverbs 29:25).

2. Purpose in Pain

Opposition and obscurity are not signs of failure but of refinement. As James 1:2-4 reminds us: “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” God uses difficult seasons to deepen our trust and prepare us for greater assignments.

3. Faithfulness Defines Success

Success in God’s kingdom is not measured by numbers, recognition, or worldly accolades but by faithfulness. Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:21 echo this truth: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Whether leading a nation, building an ark, or caring for sheep, the true measure of our lives is found in our obedience to God.

Conclusion

The most important question for any believer is not, “Am I successful?” or “Am I appreciated?” but “Am I where God wants me to be?” Whether standing firm against popular opinion or serving faithfully in an unseen place, the ultimate goal is to honor God and fulfill His purpose. His rewards are eternal, and His approval is worth far more than the fleeting favor of man. Let us remain steadfast, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

A Prayer for Faithfulness and Obedience

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts longing to do Your will. Teach us to walk in obedience to Your plans, even when the path is difficult or misunderstood by others. Strengthen us to stand firm in faith when the world opposes us, just as Noah, Jeremiah, and Your Son, Jesus, did.

Lord, help us to seek Your approval above all else. Free us from the need for human recognition, and remind us that Your favor is our greatest reward. When we feel unseen or unappreciated, reassure us of Your presence and Your eternal purposes for our lives.

Father, give us patience in seasons of waiting and courage in moments of opposition. Help us to be faithful in the small things, trusting that You are using them to prepare us for greater things. Teach us to trust Your timing and Your ways, even when they seem unclear.

May we never grow weary in doing good, and may we remain steadfast in our service to You. Let our lives bring glory to Your name, whether we are called to stand boldly in the spotlight or to serve quietly in the background.

Thank You, Lord, for the promise that our labor in You is never in vain. Help us to hear the words “Well done, good and faithful servant” at the end of our race. Until that day, keep our hearts focused on You, our strength rooted in Your Spirit, and our joy anchored in Your love.

In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray.

Amen.

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** Photo by Evelyn Chong at Pexels