Do you like taking tests? My favorite tests are the ones I give, not those I have to take. But being a Christ-follower means I will face tests. After walking with the Lord for a time, I thought the tests might get easier. They don't. And now I know that the only thing I can be sure of is that any day could bring a test.
What Does God Say?
Do you wonder why those who follow God are tested? Look at following verses and answer the questions.
"It was there at Marah that the LORD set before them the following decree as a standard to test their faithfulness to him. He said, 'If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the L ORD who heals you'" (Exodus 15:25-26, NLT).
- What did the Lord expect from His people?
- What could the people expect if they kept all the Lord's commands?
"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Look, I'm going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions" (Exodus 16:4, NLT).
- What was the Lord planning to do to feed the Israelites?
- What were the people required to do?
- What did God want to learn about the people?
"Remember how the LORD your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands" (Deuteronomy 8:2, NLT).
- Where were the Israelites living?
- How long did they live there?
- What two things did God want to find out about the Israelites during this time?
My Thoughts
Peter says: " Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed" (1 Peter 4:12-14, ESV).
We have seen that God always tests His people, not for their harm but for their good. Are you being tested right now? The purpose is not to trip you up. God's purpose in the test is to refine, strengthen and deepen your faith so that you will follow Christ with peace and joy.
My Part
Write down a test that you are experiencing or have recently experienced. What have you learned from this test about yourself? What have you learned from this test about God? Share these lessons with another brother or sister in Christ.
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