David Diga Hernandez - 7 Trials of the Called: Faithfulness

So, this is part four of my series. In the first part, I talked to you about the test of service. Part two was the test of hiddenness. Part three was the test of discouragement, and now here in part four, I’m discussing faithfulness. As we go through these tests, I’m highlighting aspects of the life of Joseph because he truly exemplifies the call of God fulfilled. He effectively demonstrates what it means to pass one’s spiritual, God-given test.

Now, this test of faithfulness is a bit more difficult because some believe they are passing this test when, in reality, they are failing it without realizing it. I will elaborate on that in just a moment, but first, I want you to turn to Genesis chapter 39. I will read just three verses for you, and these verses are powerful when you meditate on them and consider Joseph’s life and the situation he found himself in. Remember, he had favor with his father but was sold into slavery by his brothers—that’s betrayal, that’s discouragement. Yet, he remains faithful to the dream that God had given him; he continues to be faithful to what God revealed to him.

This is where we find Joseph in Genesis 39, beginning at verse 1, where the scripture states: «When Joseph was taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Potiphar was captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. The Lord was with Joseph, and he succeeded in everything he did while he served in the home of his Egyptian master. Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did.»

Now, think about this: Joseph was sold into slavery. He was not in a good position; he was separated from his family and seemingly further from the dream that God had bestowed upon him. He did not want to be there; he wasn’t there by his own will. Circumstances dictated Joseph’s situation at that moment, yet he remained faithful to the Spirit of God within him. Joseph remained faithful to God’s nature, which is excellent service and humility. He continued to serve to his fullest capacity, so much so that he gained favor from Potiphar.

We can see that Joseph continues to serve even in his season of discouragement, even in a place he doesn’t want to be, one he was forced into. He is faithful, consistent, and performs so well in Potiphar’s house that he finds favor. This is the test of faithfulness—he gave his best.

Now, this is somewhat different from my discussion on discouragement last week. I am now addressing faithfulness. Here is why people might think they are passing the test of faithfulness when they are actually not: faithfulness is not just consistency; it includes consistency with excellence. It is possible to be active but not effective. It is possible to be busy but not productive. It is possible to do something without truly engaging your heart in that work.

I think about the ministries, ministers, and organizations that put something into practice, but over time, cause quality to diminish because of their lack of excitement, passion, or reverence for what they are doing. The truth is, we all get tired; we all feel drained. I myself get tired. If I’m teaching now, I’m not even on California time—I just returned from ministering in Europe. I feel a bit out of place, yet I am giving my best here in this lesson.

There are times when we get tired, times when we feel as if we’ve given all we can, times when the well feels dry with nothing left to draw from. That is when we must call upon the Holy Spirit and ask Him to empower us unto faithfulness. God observes how we treat what He has given us; He examines how we work with what He assigns to us. God scrutinizes how we steward the treasures with which He has blessed us. If we are faithful in stewarding those treasures and serving in the capacity God has anointed us for, He will take notice.

Joseph gave his best, but faithfulness is about more than just activity over time; it is about excellence over time. Some may attempt to skip this process, expressing displeasure at the thought of remaining faithful in circumstances they dislike. They may resist the idea of being consistent when discouraged or exhausted, but this is what God empowers you to do—if you allow Him. When we give our best, we demonstrate faithfulness. When we serve to our fullest capacity, we embody faithfulness.

Faithfulness cannot be gauged in hours, months, or sometimes even years. God sometimes thinks in decades. I think of Moses, who tended to the flock of his father-in-law Jethro for 40 years. I think of David, who also tended to a flock long before he became king. I think of Jesus, who did not begin His ministry until he was thirty years old. I reflect on all the individuals who went through processes… I think of all…