Proving Man
God's purpose in proving man is to test our faith, reveal what is in our hearts, and strengthen our devotion to Him.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that God often proves man through trials and tests, suggesting that our current struggles may be part of God's plan to reveal what is truly in our hearts. He references biblical examples, such as Abraham and the Israelites, to illustrate that God allows periods of testing to strengthen our faith and character. Wilkerson reassures that even in moments of feeling forsaken, God is present and desires our devotion regardless of the outcome of our trials. He encourages believers to take up their cross and continue in faith, knowing that Jesus understands our struggles and is there to support us.
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"God left him, to try him" (2 Chronicles 32:31).
We have become so preoccupied in proving God that we have not prepared our hearts for the great tests of life whereby God proves man. Could it be that the great trial you are now facing, the burden you now carry, is actually God at work proving you?
"God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him.... Take now thy son...and offer him there for a burnt offering" (Genesis 22:1-2). God proved an entire nation to find out what was really in its heart. "The Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no" (Deuteronomy 8:2).
We see an amazing thing in 2 Chronicles 32:31: God left a great king for a season to prove him. "God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart."
Often, while in the righteous pursuit of God's work, the steward of the Lord finds himself apparently forsaken--tried to the limits of endurance and left all alone to battle the forces of hell. Every man God has ever blessed has been proved in the same manner.
Do you find yourself in strange circumstances? Do you feel forsaken and alone? Do you fight a losing battle with an unpredictable enemy? These are signs pointing to the proving process.
Victory is always desired, but should you fail, remember: It is what remains in your heart that God is interested in, your attitude after you have won or lost the lonely battle. Your devotion to him in spite of failure is his desire.
Jesus has promised never to leave us or forsake us, but the record of Scripture reveals there are seasons when the Father withdraws his presence to prove us. Even Christ experienced that lonely moment on the cross. It is in these times that our blessed Savior is most touched by the feeling of our infirmity--and he whispers, "I pray for thee, that thy faith fail not."
Jesus says we are to take up our cross and follow him (see Matthew 16:24). What is that cross? It is the flesh with its frailness and weakness. Take it up, move on in faith, and his strength will be made perfect in you. Is your cross of self and sin too heavy? Then, my friend, take up your cross and follow on. He understands and is there beside you to lift the heavy burden!
Sermon Outline
- God Proves Man
- The Proving Process
- God's Promise and Our Response
- Jesus' promise to never leave or forsake us
- Responding to trials with faith
- Taking up our cross and following Jesus
Key Quotes
“God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.” — David Wilkerson
“Victory is always desired, but should you fail, remember: It is what remains in your heart that God is interested in, your attitude after you have won or lost the lonely battle.” — David Wilkerson
“I pray for thee, that thy faith fail not.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- When facing trials, remember that God is interested in your attitude and devotion to Him, not just the outcome.
- Take up your cross and follow Jesus, trusting in His strength to be made perfect in you.
- Respond to trials with faith, knowing that God is with you and will never leave you or forsake you.