Today, we move deeper into our subject: “ The Tests of a Vessel. ” These are the divine exams that refine a man or woman before God releases them for impact. As Kenneth E. Hagin once said, “Preparation is not lost time; it’s the price of lasting impact.” WHY GOD TESTS HIS VESSELS Before God approves a man, He tests him. Saul failed the test of obedience (1 Samuel 13), but Aaron passed his test when his rod blossomed in the tabernacle (Numbers 17:8–9). Friend, before God can trust you, He must test you. Tests don’t destroy you—they define you. They separate the sincere from the superficial. As Oswald J. Sanders wisely said, “The greatest test of a man’s character is what it takes to stop him.” Let’s look at the first five tests every vessel must pass. THE TIME TEST This test comes when you know what God promised, but it looks like nothing is happening. Abraham waited 25 years for Isaac. Joseph spent 13 years in waiting before the palace. Even Jesus waited 30 years before ministry. Delay is not denial. God uses time to purify motives and prepare hearts. Psalm 37:7 says, “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.” THE WORD TEST Psalm 105:19 says, “Until the time that His word came, the word of the Lord tried him.” This is when God’s promise seems to contradict your reality. Like Joseph, you may wonder, “Did God really say?” But faith holds on when it makes no sense. The Word test proves if you believe what God said more than what you see. THE SERVANT TEST Luke 16:12 says, “If you have not been faithful in another man’s, who will give you your own?” Every leader begins as a servant. David served Saul. Elisha poured water on Elijah’s hands. I remember serving under pastors who never saw my potential. But that season trained me in humility and loyalty. Serving another man’s vision is the seed for your own. THE WILDERNESS TEST This is when life feels dry—when the heavens are silent, prayers unanswered, and progress seems impossible. Yet, the wilderness is God’s classroom. It was in the desert that Moses saw the burning bush. If you are in a dry place today, remember: God is preparing you for rain. THE PATIENCE TEST Hebrews 10:36 says, “You have need of patience, that after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise.” Patience measures your trust in God’s timing. Saul lost his throne because he couldn’t wait. Don’t repeat his mistake. What God starts, He will finish—if you stay still long enough for Him to complete it. Final Word: Every delay, every silence, and every struggle is part of Heaven’s refining fire. Don’t rush the process. God is shaping you into a vessel He can trust. To watch the Live Recorded video of a related topic click this link: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19yKoP9xvH/ The following are the recommended reading: 14 Things About The Man God Uses. https://selar.com/kme7 How To Succeed With Your Assignment. https://selar.com/yvnq See Other Books Authored by Rowland Peters. https://selar.com/m/Drpeters To learn more about our Bible College training programmes, visit www.icmames.com Join me live every Tuesday on Facebook and TikTok at 7 PM WAT.