I’ve been a fan of A.W. Tozer for many years. He spoke as a modern-day prophet, and one of the subjects he frequently addressed was faith. He called it “the misunderstood doctrine.” He was disturbed by the lack of fruit in the lives of those who claimed to have faith—their lifestyles remained unaffected by what they said they believed.

In his book Man: The Dwelling Place of God, he wrote:

I have seen faith put forward as a substitute for obedience, an escape from reality, a refuge from the necessity of hard thinking, a hiding place for weak character. I have known people to miscall by the name of faith high animal spirits, natural optimism, emotional thrills, and nervous tics.

Plain horse sense ought to tell us that anything that makes no change in the man who professes it makes no difference to God either, and it is an easily observable fact that for countless numbers of persons, the change from no faith to faith makes no actual difference in the life. —A.W. Tozer

The apostle Paul instructed the Corinthian church to “examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). So here’s a simple test to help assess the genuineness and quality of your faith. Ask yourself:

1. Is my faith shaken by adversity?

Adversity is the road test of faith. It’s where the rubber meets the road. Over the years, I’ve seen it time and again—in hospitals and funeral homes—people going through extreme difficulties. It is in that crucible of testing that the quality of their faith is revealed.

What would it take to shake your faith? When trouble or tragedy knocks at your door, do you begin to question God’s love? Do you feel like giving up? Does your own pain and suffering change how you perceive God?

The Bible says, “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small” (Proverbs 24:10).

2. Is my faith influenced by prosperity?

We have been truly blessed in America. But I can’t help but wonder if physical prosperity negatively affects our faith. I’ve known people who once clung tightly to God during lean times—but then prosperity came along. They got busy with other things, climbing the social ladder while going lower in their relationship with God.

Over the years, I’ve noticed that some wealthy people live by a different standard. They become their own authority and conduct their lives however they wish—even if it means neglecting the body of Christ. Has prosperity made you self-reliant and hindered your ability to trust God?

3. Is my faith weak in temptation?

No believer is exempt from temptation. A country preacher once said, “Flesh is flesh, no matter whose bones it’s stretched over.” Jesus said to His sleepy disciples, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). Do you find yourself succumbing to the same temptation over and over again?

Think of young Joseph in Egypt when Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce him. The temptation was repeated day after day, yet the Bible tells us “he refused.” He knew it would not only be a betrayal of Potiphar’s trust but, more importantly, a great sin against God.

Sensual temptation can be particularly powerful. To young Timothy, the apostle Paul wrote, “Flee youthful lusts.” When it comes to temptation, do you falter—or do you flee?

4. Is my faith limited by time?

Often, people struggle with their faith because their circumstances don’t change. Their patience wears thin, and they begin to think God is never going to answer their prayers. Eventually, they give up praying. A subtle resentment may build toward God for His seeming lack of concern, and they begin to question His promises.

The writer of Hebrews tells us, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Every blessing that flows from the atonement of Christ comes to us through the avenue of faith. God is not impressed by great talent, grand deeds, or personal sacrifices. Rather, He is pleased by a faith that trusts completely—never doubting.

He delights in the kind of faith Job had when he said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13: