THE ULTIMATE TEST OF TRUSTING GOD By Major. Frank Materu

"But the one who endures to the end will be saved." – Matthew 24:13 


Faith is a journey of perseverance, obedience, and unwavering trust in God.


It is not merely about what we profess but how we endure, how we respond to challenges, and how we allow God to shape us for His purpose.

This article explores the call to steadfast faith, the challenges we face, and the reward of trusting God to the end. 


1. Perseverance: The Path to Salvation:


The Bible reminds us in Matthew 24:13,


“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Perseverance is more than enduring hardships; it is about enduring in righteousness, enduring in faith, and enduring in obedience to God’s Word. 


God seeks those who are willing to be molded by His hand and who submit to His commands.


These individuals become vessels for His divine purposes. As Ezra 10:11 states: 


"Now then, make confession to the Lord, the God of your fathers, and do His will.

Separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from the foreign women." 


To persevere, we must:

- Follow God’s instructions with a humble heart.

- Separate ourselves from anything that compromises our spiritual integrity. 

- Cultivate spiritual discernment and wisdom. 


2. A Humble Savior and a Humble Heart:

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, He came as a humble king riding on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy:


"Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, humble and mounted on a donkey.’” – Matthew 21:5. 


This humility challenges the human tendency toward pride, self-reliance, and grandeur.

God does not work through those who elevate themselves, but through those who bow in humility and seek


Him in sincerity. As James 4:10 reminds us:


"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." 

Victory in life’s battles is not achieved through pride or self-promotion but through humility and submission to God.


Kneeling in prayer is more powerful than standing in arrogance. 


3. Trusting God in the Face of Adversity:

God’s ways are not the ways of the world. Where the world seeks retaliation, God calls us to love and forgiveness: 


"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge;


I will repay,’ says the Lord." – Romans 12:19 


Releasing our enemies to God is one of the greatest tests of trust.

It requires surrendering our desire for personal justice and believing that God will handle every situation perfectly. 


Romans 12:20–21 further teaches:

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." 


4. God’s Wisdom in Times of Trial:

Trials come to everyone, but God provides the wisdom we need to navigate them: 


"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." – James 1:5 


Key lessons during trials include:

- Seeking God’s guidance rather than relying on human understanding.

- Remaining faithful to God’s promises, even when the path is unclear.

- Trusting that God will use trials to shape us for His glory. 


When Moses was called to deliver Israel, his life was marked by challenges.


Jesus, too, faced rejection and threats, yet both fulfilled God’s purpose.


Similarly, God may hide and protect us during critical moments to prepare us for His greater work.


5. The Reward of Faithful Endurance:

The reward for enduring in faith is not only salvation but a deeper relationship with God.


As Acts 3:22–23 emphasizes:


"For Moses said,

‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything He tells you.


Anyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut off from their people.’” 


When we listen and obey, we align ourselves with God’s divine plan.


By trusting Him completely, we allow Him to fight our battles, direct our paths, and fulfill His promises in our lives. 


Conclusion:

The ultimate test of trusting God lies in our ability to persevere, to humble ourselves, to release our enemies into His hands, and to seek His wisdom in all things.


Faith is not passive—it is active, enduring, and reliant on God’s grace and power. 


As you navigate your journey of faith, may you find strength in His Word, peace in His presence, and joy in knowing that your endurance will lead to salvation. 

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."* – Exodus 14:14 


Stay steadfast, trust in God, and let Him mold you for His purpose.