We all have taken tests in our lifetime. The objective of testing is to discover the truth. In school, it’s to see if we’ve learned what has been taught. Some teachers choose to make tests exceptionally difficult to fail students unlike teachers who delight in the success of their students. Does God test us today?
Danielle Bernock of Crosswalk.com says, “God loves us and wants us to succeed. When He tests us, He wants to see if our faith in Him is real. If we fall short, He takes pleasure in teaching us so we can pass the next time. When our faith proves genuine, He can reward us.” [1] What test are you facing today? How is the Lord using this test of your faith to draw you closer to Him? What is the Lord teaching you through this time?
Abraham’s Test
The Scriptures tells us of a faith test that Abraham went through that must have seemed dauting. Genesis 22:1Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called. “Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.” 2 “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” [2]
God’s wanted Abraham to be the father of the nation of Israel. God already knew all about Abraham, but Abraham needed to know more about himself. Thus, God tested Abraham. At the time of this testing of faith, Abraham was over 100 years old. He had waited twenty-five years for his son Isaac to be born and now the Lord wanted him to sacrifice him. The test was severe because Abraham’s task ahead was great. Does God test us today?
How can a time of testing transform us for the work God has for us?
- The Lord compares our tests to that of refining gold. 1 Peter 1:7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. [3]
- A time of testing places God’s work in our life on display. God uses trials to show that he alone deserves the credit. Trials make it clear to the world that I am not in control. Everyone can see that I don’t have the ability or strength to overcome the problem or pass the test. Therefore, when God works, He gets all the glory, not me.
- A time of testing prepares me for greater service in His Kingdom. I want God to trust me with his big assignments, but God doesn’t give us the big assignments without testing us in the little things. Every trial God sends, even our daily frustrations are meant to test us and grow us stronger. If I want God to use me for big things, I must pass the little tests. If I don’t pass the little tests, why should I expect God to trust me with greater things? Abraham was a living example of going through a test of preparation.
- A time of testing makes me depend more on God. God uses trials to turn my dependence fully on him. He wants me to cling to him and find peace in him alone. The greatest battle that is waged each day for the glory of God is not the one around me, it is the one in me. My sinful heart doesn’t want to relinquish control. Trials are God’s tool to break my dependence on self so that I will trust in him alone.
Does God test us today? As you can see, yes, God does test each of us so that we can grow in our faith.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for Your Word that says You give us the power to come out of this trial “as gold.” Thank You that this storm will not last forever, but we’re only passing through. Thank You that nothing has taken you by surprise. You know our journey better than we know it ourselves, and You will use this time of testing for good. Amen.[4]
To hear more about Abraham’s test, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faith-makes-a-difference-abraham
[1] https://www.christianity.com/wiki/god/why-does-god-test-us.html
[2,3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[4] https://www.ibelieve.com/faith/9-prayers-for-when-you-re-going-through-the-storm.html