I once heard the story of the wife of a politician who suddenly packed her load and left the marriage. Surprised, the husband asked why. Her response was both funny and instructive; “I married a senator. But since you lost your reelection to the senate, I’m no more interested in this marriage.” She failed the relationship test.
Friend, every genuine relationship will always go through divine tests (Genesis 22:1). The tests are not to destroy the relationship. They are to reveal the authenticity of the relationship and to strengthen it. Lack of understanding of this truth is the reason for relationship heartbreaks in the lives of many people today (Proverbs 17:17). But how does God test relationships?
God tests relationships by subjecting them to times and seasons (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Never conclude on a relationship until you have watched it go through different times and seasons. Some relationships are simply fair-weather relationships. Some people are fair-weather friends. Some church members are fair-weather members (2 Timothy 4:9-11). I pray you won’t marry a fair-weather wife or husband.
When you look at the relationship between Naomi and her daughters-in-law, you will notice the power of relationship tests (Ruth 1:8-19). You would never have known who Ruth and Orpah were to Naomi until the relationship went through its worst season. While Ruth stuck with Naomi, Orpah left, and she missed her prophetic destiny (Ruth 1:14).
When God is testing people and relationships for you, you need to allow Him to do His work (Genesis 13:7-13). This is not time to be emotional or impatient. It is time to be sensitive to what is happening and what God is doing. Lack of sensitivity would make you throw away a relationship that has been ordained to bless you and secure a future for you (Isaiah 65:8).
Offences are one of the commonest tests of relationships. Any relationship where opportunities for offences have not shown up is not yet tested (Matthew 11:1-6). The offence itself is not the issue, but the way it is handled. It was strife that separated Lot from Abraham. But Elisha stayed through to following Eljah despite the challenges (2 Kings 2:1-14). The disciples of Jesus continued with Jesus through His temptations, and they were rewarded for it (Luke 22:28-30). Don’t fail relationship tests.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria