Does God Test us during Novenas?

[Michael_Saint]

Two weeks ago I began a **54 day rosary novena **for a very special particular intention. I have only done a 54 day rosary novena once before, and my intention was granted. Like the last intention, because the situation was something dear to my heart but it looked unlikely though not hopeless, I decided to do so again. Throughout this time, I have also been more careful about remaining in the state of grace and have increased my spiritual devotions and life of faith.

Now, on the 2nd day of the novena, there was a situation that exploded which affected both me and the people I am praying for. Between the 4th and 6th day of the novena, this occurrence led to a series of events that, in the end, made my intention less likely.

I am wondering: has it been your experience, or do you think is it common, that **when you undertake a novena or a spiritual program for some intention, that God tests your faith to see if you will continue to believe and persevere in prayer, fasting, and holy living? **Do things often take a turn for the worse or appear less likely and more hopeless when you are in the midst of such a novena or a spiritual program? And is this a sign that God is hearing and more importantly responding positively to your prayer, and that through faith and perseverance you will be blessed with the intention you have brought before him?

Thank you.

 

[SnowAngels]

Two weeks ago I began a **54 day rosary novena **for a very special particular intention. I have only done a 54 day rosary novena once before, and my intention was granted. Like the last intention, because the situation was something dear to my heart but it looked unlikely though not hopeless, I decided to do so again. Throughout this time, I have also been more careful about remaining in the state of grace and have increased my spiritual devotions and life of faith.

Now, on the 2nd day of the novena, there was a situation that exploded which affected both me and the people I am praying for. Between the 4th and 6th day of the novena, this occurrence led to a series of events that, in the end, made my intention less likely.

I am wondering: has it been your experience, or do you think is it common, that **when you undertake a novena or a spiritual program for some intention, that God tests your faith to see if you will continue to believe and persevere in prayer, fasting, and holy living? **Do things often take a turn for the worse or appear less likely and more hopeless when you are in the midst of such a novena or a spiritual program? And is this a sign that God is hearing and more importantly responding positively to your prayer, and that through faith and perseverance you will be blessed with the intention you have brought before him?

Thank you.

The only thing that I have experienced close to this is one time when I ardently promised not to lie one day. Oftentimes, I make little resolutions for a day or a week and focus on them. So, that day it was not lying. However, lunch time hadn’t even come around when my Dad lost it at my brother because he thought he had screwed something up electrically. When my brother promised it wasn’t him, my Dad asked who it was. He asked me, and I said no… I definitely think God can test our intentions by giving us barriers to overcome.

 

[RedFox0456]

I certainly think God could allow our faith to be tested during these times. Of course, I couldn’t say that it necessarily happens every time. I mean, sometimes it is challenge enough to fulfill your end of the bargain without extra strain. I do recall the first time I tried a bread fast, my oldest brother invited me to his house for dinner. A very rare occasion since he is nine years older and we weren’t that close. So I wanted to say yes but I didn’t want to break the fast. It was rough.

 

[svid2]

Pax Christi!

It could very well be that God gives extra tests during Novenas, or retreats, or other devotions or periods of intense prayer. Or perhaps these tests were going to present themselves anyway, and your Novena underscored them. Either way, the Novena helps you (or makes you) face these trials, and this is very good.

God bless.

 

[marylauravicuna]

I certainly think God could allow our faith to be tested during these times. Of course, I couldn’t say that it necessarily happens every time. I mean, sometimes it is challenge enough to fulfill your end of the bargain without extra strain. I do recall the first time I tried a bread fast, my oldest brother invited me to his house for dinner. A very rare occasion since he is nine years older and we weren’t that close. So I wanted to say yes but I didn’t want to break the fast. It was rough.

Thanks for posting this! I’ve been in confusion regarding devoting life to God and unexpected immense problems. Are we sure it is God “testing” us or is it a counter attack from evil or are those essentially the same, in that God’s test may be to allow the counter-attack?