TRIUMPH OVER DIVINE TESTS
JULY 4, 2025
TEXT: Acts 10:9-13
MEMORY VERSE:
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:7)
A test or examination is defined as a procedure intended to establish the quality, performance, or reliability of something or someone, especially before it is taken into widespread use. In the case of people, the purpose is not to condemn them but to find out if they are skilled enough for promotion. God also tests His people to determine their suitability and readiness for important tasks. God’s tests can come at any time, so saints must always be prepared to pass.
The text shows how the Apostle Peter was tested before being entrusted with spreading the gospel to non-Jews. All saints will face many tests before they are allowed to enter the celestial city. A divine message was waiting for Apostle Peter, but before it arrived, some crucial events took place. As messengers approached Joppa, Peter went to the rooftop to pray at noon, around the sixth hour (Acts 10:9). Unbeknownst to him, this prayer session was preparing him for a significant revelation. Without prayer, he might not have been mentally prepared for what followed.
When the Spirit prompts you to pray, don’t ignore it. Jesus warned the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane to “pray that ye enter not into temptation” (Matthew 26:41), but they didn’t take it seriously, with dire consequences. Peter faced a test of patience and self-control when he became very hungry, but the food wasn’t ready yet (Acts 10:10). He needed to exercise self-control and patience to avoid reacting negatively and remain in a spiritual state.
Peter could have stopped praying due to hunger and succumbed to complaining, impatience, and lack of self-control. However, he chose to wait patiently until the food was ready. This moment was crucial, as small things like hunger can have significant consequences. After all, food led to the loss of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), Esau’s birthright (Genesis 25:29-34), and Israel’s struggles with God (Numbers 11:4-6).
Apostle Paul aptly described the importance of self-control, saying, “I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27). By exercising self-control, Peter positioned himself for the great revelation that followed. If Peter had failed the self-control test, wouldn’t he have grieved the Holy Spirit and potentially missed the revelation that followed?
Apostle Peter handled his hunger for food with maturity. His progression to another level of revelation and exploits largely depended on how he managed this legitimate need and craving. If responding to legitimate needs was a test, yielding to illegitimate and sinful cravings would be even more perilous.
Satan targeted Jesus’ natural cravings, including hunger and pride, knowing their potential impact. The desire for food, especially at its peak, can be overwhelming. This includes fleshly desires, known as the lust of the flesh. Jesus remained vigilant and passed the test. Similarly, the desire of the eyes that may look so attractive and good can be a test, as seen in Eve’s experience with the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:6). Eve focused on the fruit, saw its appeal, and succumbed to it. Instead of promotion, she faced severe consequences.
Human pride can be a testing ground, and how you respond determines God’s assessment of you and your potential for promotion. Jesus was challenged to prove His power, but He prioritised glorifying God, saying “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God” (Matthew 4:7). Moses was tested when he responded angrily, questioning God’s provision (Numbers 20:10-12). His unguarded words cost him entry into Canaan.
When faced with humiliation, how you respond to cravings for self-respect reveals your true character – whether you’re Christ-like or driven by fleshly desires. These tests can arise unexpectedly, and your decisions determine your destiny. When faced with strong cravings, how do you respond? Do you prioritise God’s will or give in to your desires? How do you handle denials that feel like starvation, affecting your spirit, soul, and body?
Apostle Peter succeeded and aced all his trials, which he might not have even recognised as trials. What was the result of his complete victory? He received a profound insight right away, which ultimately enabled him to define and validate the unique plan of God for his life, specifically concerning the new level God intended to elevate him to. He entered a divine trance, and consequently, he became the first Apostle to possess the rare honour of unlocking the gates of salvation (EVANGELISM) to the Gentiles.
SEARCH LIGHT: What lies within us is invariably revealed when we are subjected to divine evaluations.
PRAYER : Father, thank you for adopting me as Your child. Grant me grace for patience during tests and trials, and help me display the character that unlocks Your blessings and revelations.
BIBLE READING:
Psalms 94-96; 2 Peter 2
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
