When our faith is tested, it can be a confusing time. Why would God test us? God, of course, knows all, but we have blind spots. We won’t know where we are spiritually unless God tests us. God knows each of us and designs the tests in a way that will help us grow.
Abraham had been on a faith journey and experienced tests in the past. Some tests Abraham had failed. He didn’t trust God to provide, so he went to Egypt. Twice, out of fear, he claimed Sarah as his sister, which put the covenant at risk. He and Sarah had a human plan to get a son, which resulted in Ishmael. Other tests he passed, such as leaving Ur, giving Lot first choice of land, and sending Ishmael away. All these tests helped Abraham mature in his faith.
Temptation or Trial?
Not all our difficulties are a test from God. We must be able to discern between a temptation and a trial. Satan sends temptations to harm our relationship with God. These may seem reasonable, but in the end, they will lead us away from God. At times, our difficulties are due to disobedience or are just a part of this sinful world. God gives tests that may seem unreasonable, but they will draw us closer to God and grow our faith.
God gave Abraham a severe test, pushing the limits of logic and Abraham’s understanding of God’s character. 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.” [1]
Abraham had already given up his son Ishmael, and now God was asking him to give up Isaac, the son of the covenant. Isaac was Abraham’s most precious possession; would he be willing to give him up?
Tests Are an Opportunity
When our faith is tested, it reveals that God wants us to deepen our faith. James 1: 2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. [2]
God’s test of Abraham brought him to the peak of his faith journey. Where does God want to grow your faith? What surprising test lies ahead that will be an opportunity for joy?
To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/trusting-god-beyond-understanding
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.