When God Tests the Message He Gave You to Teach

Have you ever noticed that when God calls you to teach on something, you often get tested in that very area?

I know I have.

What if the very message God places on your heart is the same area where He allows you to be stretched, refined, and strengthened? It can feel frustrating in the moment, but often those tests become the evidence that God's truth is real and alive in our lives.

As Scripture reminds us, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance" (James 1:2-3).

In fact, this has been especially true with my latest book, Redirected, Not Rejected.

You would think that after writing a book about redirection, purpose, and trusting God's plan, I would glide right into the next season with confidence and clarity.

Guess what happened?

Rejection occurred. 

Isn't that how it goes sometimes?

Just when you feel led to share a message, life presents an opportunity to live it first.

And honestly, that's one of the biggest lessons I've learned.

Almost every time I've stepped out to teach a subject or launch a ministry, I've found myself walking through situations that challenged the very message I was sharing.

Teaching on forgiveness? Opportunities to forgive show up.

Teaching on trust? Circumstances arise that require trust.

Teaching on being unoffendable? Suddenly, there's plenty of opportunity to be offended.

And now, teaching about being redirected instead of rejected? Well, let's just say I've had a few reminders that rejection still happens.

But here's what I've learned: rejection doesn't always mean "no."

Sometimes it means "not here."

Sometimes it means "not now."

And sometimes it's God's way of moving us toward something better than what we originally envisioned.

The lesson isn't that rejection disappears once we understand it.

The lesson is learning how to respond when it shows up.

Will we allow disappointment to define us?

Will we quit when a door closes?

Or will we trust that God is redirecting our steps even when we don't understand the route?

The Bible tells us,

"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps" (Proverbs 16:9). Even when a door closes unexpectedly, God is never surprised. He is still directing our path.

Sometimes I wonder if God is asking, "Do you truly believe what you're teaching? Will you live it when it's hard?"

I've learned that God isn't looking for perfect people. He's looking for willing people who allow Him to work the message into their hearts before sharing it with others.

The test isn't meant to stop us.

It's meant to strengthen us.

And when we come through it, we don't just teach from knowledge—we teach from experience.

That's where true ministry begins.

The Apostle Paul understood this well when he wrote,

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ... who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). The struggles we walk through often become the very testimony God uses to encourage someone else.

So if you're facing rejection today, don't be discouraged. It's not the end of your story; it's the beginning of something even better. It may simply be a redirection toward something greater than you can currently see.

Remember Romans 8:28:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

And trust me, I'm still learning that lesson too.

With love,

Tricia