We live in an age of testing. The food we eat, the medicine we take, and the toys our children play with have all been rigorously tested before being sold to us. This helps us to be assured of their safety, quality, functionality, usability, and reliability.
Because of their unbelief and disobedience, God forced the Israelites to spend 40 years wandering in the desert (Numbers 14:29-35). He didn’t abandon them but protected and provided for them during their lengthy journey (Exodus 13:21-22, Exodus 16:35; Deuteronomy 8:4, Deuteronomy 8:15-16, Deuteronomy 32:10). God put them into an intensive 4-decade “training program,” purposefully leading them into difficult circumstances for three reasons:
• to prove their character, seeing if they truly loved Him with all their heart and soul (Deuteronomy 8:2, Deuteronomy 13:3).
• to test their faithfulness and obedience to God (Deuteronomy 8:2).
• to teach them the necessity, centrality, and sufficiency of God’s Word in their lives (Deuteronomy 8:3).
The troubles and difficulties you’re going through are part of God’s training program “for your own good” (Deuteronomy 8:5,16). These trials are like final exams in God’s school of discipleship—designed to prove the quality of your faith (Proverbs 17:3; 1 Peter 1:7) and to help you mature in it (Job 23:10; Isaiah 48:10; Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 4:12-13).
It’s normal for us to insist that the things we use must be vigorously tested before they’re sold to us. But sometimes we resist and don’t have a similar acceptance or gratitude for the spiritual tests that come our way. We can even become bitter or angry at God when He allows them to enter our lives. Instead, may we realize that an untested life can’t be trusted.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 8:21-59
More:
According to Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, and 1 Peter 4:12-13, what’s the value and benefit of being tested?
Next:
What test are you going through at this moment? How does knowing that God is the One who is testing you enable and help you to complete and pass the test?
ehdlive on July 30, 2013 at 10:03 am
I like the way you put it, KTSim.. gratitude in times of spiritual tests. Wow, that’s revolutionary. It’s easy to be bitter and get angry at GOD when we are detoured by difficulties. Yes, even we, as Christians, sometimes succumb to this dilemma.. thanks for the reminder.
jimchambers on July 30, 2013 at 2:17 pm
This article really pulled my socks up. I’ve been in a place of testing since 5th April when my my wife and I separated. God brought me into a time of severe testing but now I can see the reason for it and also His protection and provision during this period. And you’ll never guess? I’m going home soon! Praise God and please pray. Thank you.
winn collier on August 1, 2013 at 1:11 pm
God, please pour mercy on Jim and his wife. Bring their love closer, and please bring healing.
roxanne robbins on July 30, 2013 at 7:49 pm
Jim, Just lifted up a prayer for you and your wife with hope you’ll both experience strengthened faith in the Lord, and reconciliation and growth that will lead to a stronger marriage.