God puts us through different kinds of tests that we will all have to take at one time or another. Can you think of times in your life when you have been tested in any of these 3 ways?
Test One: God Tests Our Heart
“I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity” (1 Chronicles 29:17). The famous “fall” that pride always goes before is something God allows in order to purify us from our inclination to be full of ourselves. Just when we have enough arrogance to think we can live one moment with Him, God searches our heart for humility. If found wanting, He allows us to hit rock bottom and gain a new perspective.
Looking up! And this is exactly what we need if we’ve been looking down for too long. God doesn’t give this kind of test to torture us. He does it so our hearts can be purified and we can see Him. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8).
Test Two: God Tests Our Faith
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2-3). One of the most profound times our faith is tested is when we are struggling with our finances. Few things are more upsetting than the prospect of losing our home, not having enough food, or not being able to pay our bills. This is especially frightening when it involves a family with dependent children. But learning to walk in the provision God gives us for the day in which we find ourselves open our eyes to see how we must depend on Him for everything. It forces us to live in God’s presence in a deeper way as we look to Him to work daily miracles on our behalf.
When our faith is tested during these times, our response to it is revealing. Do we trust Him to provide, or do we get angry and take it out on others? Do we view this as a time that God wants us to draw closer to Him, or do we see it as the termination of our future? Do we understand that God is testing us in order to prepare us for what He is going to do in our lives, or do we believe He is forsaking us? Will we lose patience in this time, or will we grow in faith? The answers we give to these questions are the keys to passing the test.
Test Three: God Tests Our Obedience
“In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions’” (Exodus 16:4). My own children have always determined the amount of privileges they enjoyed by how obedient they were to the rules we laid down in our home. If they didn’t obey the rules, we didn’t extend the rewards. Of course, we were committed to feed, clothe, educate, shelter and love them no matter what they did. But the extra blessings they enjoyed over and above those things depended on their obedience.
God does the same with us. He loves us no matter what, but there are certain blessings we forfeit if we don’t obey Him. A time of testing is God’s way of preparing you for the great things He has ahead. Ask Him to help you learn each lesson well.
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