Do you like tests?

Do you like being tested?

Most people don’t like tests. Sure some tests, like the one that tells you which Marvel Superhero you are can be fun, but when we take real tests, they can cause nervousness and stress.

Does God test us?

The Bible tells us that God will never tempt us to sin, but He does test us. There’s a big difference!

Think of Abraham and Isaac (Gen 22). Abraham had no children, but God had promised to give him many descendants. Finally, long after he and his wife, Sara, should have been able to conceive, they had a son, Isaac. Then God told Abraham to sacrifice his only son. That’s a test!

Why?

Job says that God knows the way He takes because God tested him. It’s not that God didn’t know before the test. It’s that the test allowed Job and God to experience what would happen. Job grows through these tests. He’s gone through a difficult time or had to make a difficult decision and come through it faithfully. He’s more prepared for what will happen in the future.

They may not be fun to go through, but tests strengthen us. They teach us about God’s faithfulness. They help us trust.

Next time you are going through a difficult time or have a hard choice to make (maybe you are right now), rather than getting frustrated or accusing God, seek Him and His wisdom and trust that He will work through it. It may be a test. You can grow through it.

Heavenly Father,

Tests aren’t easy, but I know You work through them. I also know I need to grow. Help me to faithfully go through any tests You give. Help me to turn to You at all times, but especially when things are difficult.

Amen.