B + T = R

“B + T = R”
By Reyahd Kazmi
April 11, 2021

You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. - Psalms 66:12

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. - Jeremiah 17:7

In Psalms 66 and Jeremiah 17, the Bible talks about God’s faithfulness and how we are blessed when we place our trust in him. In this message we will use an equation to explain the relationship between our efforts, the tests and trials we go through, and how we can expect God to show up for us. The formula is B + T = R, and it stands for “Best + Test = Rest.” 

1. Best: Do our best for and give our best to God. 

It’s easy to give God our best when things are going well, but it becomes more difficult when trials arise. We are called to give our best in everything we do. It’s important to remember that we are not doing our best for people; we are doing it for God. 

Colossians 3:17-22 tells us to do whatever we do as if we are working for the Lord. 2 Timothy 2:15 reminds us not to be ashamed of our work but to do our best and correctly handle the word of truth. Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to become weary in doing good. Giving our best to God requires attentiveness to detail, faithfulness and listening. 

2. Test: God allows our faith to be tested. 

When we give our best, God may allow our faith to be tested. In the Old Testament, Job always gave his best to God. However, when Satan approached God and asked if he could test Job, God allowed it. As a result, Job lost his wealth, family and even his health. Nevertheless, Job kept his faith through it all and continued to believe that God was on his side. Job declared in Job 23:10 that he would come out of the testing as gold. He trusted in God and focused on a response of faithfulness although he could not understand the reason for this hardship. In the end, God blessed Job with even more land and more wealth than he had before. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 says that temptation is a common human experience and that God will always provide a way out. James 1:3 tells us to consider trials a joy because we can overcome obstacles and glorify God while we are in them, and that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. 

3. Rest - God takes care of the rest. 

When we give our best, God takes care of the rest. He provides more abundantly than we can imagine. No matter what it is that we want to achieve, we must constantly give our best to God, regardless of how difficult it is, knowing that along the way we are going to be tested. We have to remember that we can’t do it on our own. When it seems impossible, God can make it possible. 

Matthew 19:26 declares that what is humanly impossible is possible with God. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us the plans of the Lord are good plans. Isaiah 41:10 instructs us not to be afraid because God is with us. God watches over us wherever we go. Hebrews 13 reminds us that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. 

We can trust that the trials that we go through will bring strength and resilience (James 1:3). Our faithfulness will be rewarded. Doing our best, staying faithful when we are tested and after we have done our part, giving it all to God who takes care of the rest will bring fulfillment to our lives. 

Discussion Questions

1. What are you believing God for?

2. What are you doing to make sure you stay rooted in God’s power as you work toward your goals?

3. Which of these three parts is the greatest challenge for you: doing your best, believing God even in trials or trusting him for the outcome?