Nov. 08, 2026

What If a Test of Faith Isn’t a Sign You’ve Failed? 🔥

Pastor Dave Seratt continued our journey through Genesis 12–13 with a word of hope for anyone whose faith feels shaky. Abraham is remembered as the father of faith, yet he didn’t pass every test. God’s promises were sure even when Abraham’s choices weren’t. Through circumstances, people, and things, God was teaching him to trust. He’s growing our faith too.

Faith Can Grow Through Failure - Pastor Dave began with school tests, including those dreaded pop quizzes. Some days we do well; other days we bomb. He reminded us, “I’m glad that God gives makeup tests, an opportunity to do it again, aren’t you?” Abraham had made the big decision to follow God, but he still struggled with daily obedience. His failures did not end God’s work in his life. As Pastor Dave put it, “God continued to test him and grow him and strengthen him and work in his life, even when he wandered from the right path.” That’s encouragement for imperfect believers.

Circumstances Test Our Confidence - Abraham arrived in the land God had promised, only to face a famine. Instead of staying and trusting God’s provision, he went down to Egypt. Pastor Dave acknowledged our frustration when we obey God and things still go wrong. He defined the response we need: “Faith, in its definition, is a complete trust and confidence in God and His promises.” Like gold refined by fire, faith grows purer as the things we lean on fail us. Money, health, education, and government cannot take Christ’s place. Our confidence belongs in Him alone.

People Can Shift Our Focus - Before entering Egypt, Abraham feared that others would kill him to take his beautiful wife. He schemed to protect himself and put her at risk. Pastor Dave pointed out the change from God’s repeated promises of “I will” to Abraham’s frightened “they will.” Fear of people had crowded out confidence in God. He admitted that he, too, has tried to plan his way around fear. Even spiritual victories can be followed by hard tests. His discouraged Monday conversations with Pastor Tim brought that struggle home.

Things Reveal What We Trust - In Genesis 13, Abraham faced a different test. He and Lot had so much livestock that they needed to separate. This time Abraham let Lot choose the land first, trusting God with his future instead of grabbing the best for himself. Pastor Dave also reminded us, “People who hang around you ought to be blessed because they’re hanging around you.” God renewed His promise to Abraham:

“for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever.” [Genesis 13:15, NKJV]

Pastor Dave closed with two questions: Have you believed God for your Salvation? Where is your faith being tested right now? His invitation was to give that area to God and trust His promises. He urged us, “Refresh your mind in the promises of God. Look up.” We may stumble, but God is still at work growing our faith. Look to the One who has promised.