How to Recognize and Pass God’s Tests

I came across a word from Tiphani Montgomery this week, challenging us to treat everything in this season like a test from God—and urging us not to fail the test.

That call to action really got my attention. Maybe because lately I’ve felt this undercurrent of anxiety—about the world and the quiet pressure of wanting to live up to my potential without missing my mark with God. Her message landed right where I was.

So I decided to accept the challenge. But it led me to ask: What exactly is a test from God? How do you recognize one when it shows up?

Those questions sent me studying—listening to sermons, reading Scripture, and reflecting on what it means to be spiritually prepared. Along the way, I came across a teaching by Pastor Rick Warren that broke it down beautifully. He outlined six common tests God uses to build our faith and character. There are many more, but these six feel especially relevant right now—tests we’ve either faced before, are walking through now, or will encounter soon.

Key Takeaways

  • God’s ultimate goal isn’t our happiness—it’s our spiritual maturity.
    “God is much more interested in your character than your comfort.”

  • Life on Earth is the growth and development stage before eternity.

  • Every problem and challenge is a test designed to strengthen our faith and build our character.
    “Every problem has a purpose.” -Pastor Rick Warren


Scripture Foundation

James 1:2–4 (NLT):

“When troubles come your way, let it be an opportunity for joy… for when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. Let it grow, for when it is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.”


Six Tests of Faith and Character


1. The What Test — A New Task/ Impossible Assignment (Noah)

  • God asks you to do something you’ve never done before or that seems impossible.

  • Example: Noah building the ark before it had ever rained.
    “Faith is facing the future without knowing what.” -Pastor Rick Warren

How to spot this test: You sense God asking for something you’ve never done—or that seems beyond you.

Grounding truth: Faith faces the future without knowing what.

How to respond: Obey the next clear instruction; prepare for it like it’s real.

A pattern for passing this test: Pray → Plan → Get to work (even if it’s “building an ark” before rain exists).

Take action: Write the assignment in one sentence. List the first 3 starter steps you can take this week.


2. The Where Test — A Major Change/ Relocation in the Unknown (Abraham)

  • God moves you into the unknown. You must trust Him without knowing where He’s leading.

  • Example: Abraham leaving his homeland at age 75 with no clear destination.
    “Faith is following God’s leading without knowing where.” -Pastor Rick Warren

How to spot this test: You’re prompted to move—roles, routines, geography, relationships—without full details.

Grounding truth: Faith follows God’s leading without knowing where.

How to respond: Loosen your grip on things of the past; travel light.

A pattern for passing this test: Discern (seek counsel & Scripture) → Decide (time-bound) → Do (take the first mile).

Take action: Define your “first mile”: one concrete move that honors the nudge (tour, call, application, calendar block).

 

3. The When Test — A Delayed Promise (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob in tents)

  • You’re waiting on something God promised but hasn’t yet fulfilled.
    “God wants you to build your life on His promises, not His explanations.” -Pastor Rick Warren

  • Example: Abraham and his descendants lived in tents for generations waiting for the promised land.
    “Faith is waiting for God’s timing without knowing when.” -Pastor Rick Warren

How to spot this test: You have a promise, but the timetable drags.

Grounding truth: God builds lives on promises, not explanations.

How to respond: Wait actively—keep pruning, planting, and praising.

A pattern for passing this test: Remember (review promises) → Remain (stay faithful in small things) → Rejoice (gratitude in delay).

Take action: Create a “Delay Playlist”: 3 Scriptures + 3 gratitude lines you speak daily while you wait.

 

4. The How Test — An Unsolvable Problem (Abraham & Sarah)

  • When a situation seems humanly impossible.
    “Faith is expecting a miracle without knowing how.”

  • Example: Abraham and Sarah having a child in old age.
    “God had the last laugh.” -Pastor Rick Warren

How to spot this test: Circumstances are humanly impossible.

Grounding truth: Faith expects a miracle without knowing how.

How to respond: Do the possible; leave the impossible to God.

A pattern for passing this test: Surrender → Steward what’s in hand → Stand on the promise.

Take action: Draw a line down a page: My Part vs. God’s Part. Do only your column this week.

 

5. The Why Test — A Senseless Loss (Abraham & Isaac)

  • When something painful happens that makes no sense.
    “Faith is trusting God’s purpose without knowing why.”

  • Example: Abraham asked to sacrifice Isaac—the son God promised him.
    “Do you love the dream more than you love the dream giver?” -Pastor Rick Warren

How to spot this test: Pain that makes no sense; the “dream” seems threatened.

Grounding truth: Faith trusts God’s purpose without knowing why.

How to respond: Choose presence over answers; place the dream back on the altar.

A pattern for passing this test: Lament (tell God the truth) → Lean (His presence) → Let go (no idols).

Take action: A simple altar prayer: “Lord, I love You more than the dream. It’s Yours.”

 

6. The How Long Test — Prolonged Pain (Moses)

  • When suffering continues and there’s no end in sight.
    “Faith is continuing to persist without knowing how long.”

  • Example: Moses enduring years of hardship, leading Israel through the wilderness.
    “If you keep your eyes on your pain, you’ll go downhill. Keep your eyes on God.” -Pastor Rick Warren

How to spot this test: Chronic pressure—physical, emotional, relational, financial—that persists.

Grounding truth: Faith persists without knowing how long.

How to respond: Fix your gaze: not on pain, but on the God who sustains.

A pattern for passing this test: Rhythm (Word, prayer, rest) → Relationships (don’t suffer alone) h→ Resolve (small faithful steps).

Take action: Instead of asking “How long?” this week, ask “Who am I becoming while I wait?” Journal one line each day about what God might be developing in your through the delay.


Reminder: What It Means to Live by Faith

  • Faith is facing the future without knowing what.

  • Faith is following God’s leading without knowing where.

  • Faith is waiting for His timing without knowing when.

  • Faith is expecting a miracle without knowing how.

  • Faith is trusting His purpose without knowing why.

  • Faith is persisting without knowing how long.


With you on this journey,

-Allene