Our Lord knew many would lose their faith in the last days. Paul spoke of this as well, writing, “The Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). In fact, Paul warned Timothy to hold fast to his faith because so many believers “concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck” (1:19).
Peter also warned that a crisis of faith would take place in the last days. He reassures us, however, that those who cling to belief “are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5). He adds, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith...is tested by fire” (1:6-7).
Peter was addressing people who had been through trial after trial. He told them, in essence, “Only the Lord knows what it takes to produce in us a faith more precious than gold. Right now, he’s using our trials to do that.”
Many great servants of God throughout history passed the test and became giants of faith. During their most dangerous, frightful times, these saints stood believing. Their lives have been an enduring testimony to God’s faithfulness, and Hebrews 11 lists many of them: Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Jacob and others.
However, there are other, sad cases of believers who failed in their times of crisis. God’s plan for them was the same as it was for those who endured their trials faithfully. Instead, these servants crumbled in their trials, disobeying God and turning away from faith.
King Solomon and the apostle Paul both endured crises of faith, one failing the test while the other passed to encourage generations.
Solomon was blessed with everything a life of serving God had to offer: a godly heritage, a supernatural calling and a personal encounter with the Lord. Moreover, God blessed him with wisdom that surpassed all of the world’s wisdom. His anointing was clear to all, and he was renowned and admired throughout the world. The temple he built in Jerusalem was known as the grandest religious structure of its day. In addition, Solomon wrote thousands of proverbs and songs. He was successful in everything he put his hand to.
Because of these great blessings, “men of all nations, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom, came to hear the wisdom of Solomon” (1 Kings 4:34). One of these awestruck visitors was the Queen of Sheba. She was left breathless by Solomon’s devotion to God’s house, and she was astounded by the widespread happiness of the people in his kingdom. In her eyes, Solomon’s kingdom was paradise, heaven on earth.
Thousands of people served Solomon to bring his brilliant plans to life. He boasted that his every desire, want and pleasure was fulfilled. So, why did this godly man end up saying it was all futile and in vain? Why did he say man was no better than a beast, dying the same way a dog dies? “I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had toiled; and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind” (Ecclesiastes 2:11).
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