Many people don’t think about God testing us, but He does. Many passages in God’s Word speak of God testing us. Consider the following passages:“The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. It is the LORD your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey him; serve Him and hold fast to Him.” Dt. 13:3-4
“Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Jas 1:3-4
“Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.” Lu. 8:13
“We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.” 1 Thess 2:4-5
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” Jas 1:12
“Before the Word of the Lord came to pass, God tested Joseph” (Ps. 105:19)
When God tests us, He is putting us through an event to see if we will pass or fail. Just like tests in school, if we pass, we show we know the material. If we fail, we show we do not know the material and need to take the test again … after a further period of preparation.
In God’s Word, Joseph is an example of someone who passed a test, and David is an example of someone who failed a test. Joseph passed what I call the test of sovereignty: would he trust in God’s sovereignty despite many unpleasant circumstances? Joseph did pass his many severe tests that took place over a 13-year span. Because he passed the tests, he not only experienced closeness with God, but he also was used to save the lives of many. On the contrary, King David failed the test of purity when he committed adultery with Bathsheba. Though he was personally forgiven and restored to fellowship with God (see Ps. 51), a seed (no pun intended) of sexual immorality spread throughout his entire family. Failing a test resulted in forfeited fruit.
Are YOU being tested by the Lord right now? Perhaps your character is being tested by a difficult situation? Maybe you are being tempted in a moral area. A “hard to love” person may be testing whether or not you will love in a 1 Cor. 13 manner. Whatever test you may be going through, remember how much is at stake, namely your walk with God and your fruit for the kingdom.
In order to pass the tests that God gives you, I suggest the following:
1, Be in the Word.
2. Be vulnerable with at least one godly person for support,counsel, and prayer.
3. Pray for God to help you.
4. Don’t give in to your flesh, but abide in Christ.
5. Depend totally on the power of the Holy Spirit in all of the above suggestions.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this blog.
David,
ReplyDeleteThis is excactly what I have been experiencing this whole week! I have been on one of the most exciting spiritual highs this week while, I feel like Satan is only trying to beat me down! I did all of the steps you have mentioned and this really works! I know that God is in control and I trust him so much.
Jennie
Hi Pastor David,
ReplyDeleteYou asked for our thoughts on the blog: LOVE it! Simply said, but true! Blessings.
Stacy
I am growing in my faith when I read this blog. Thank you for continuing to influence my life and others for Jesus Christ. Sincerely, Sue Graf
ReplyDeleteThe test that lasted 13 years was a reminder to diligence. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhen I gave my life to christ I knew there would be changes, but I did not know they would be a "daily test" as I call it now. I told a small group recently that I would be very concerned if the Lord was not testing me, because it would mean I was dead, or that He was not that concerned with me... So I welcome the trials and the tests that come, knowing they are for my good. Some tests were easier for me, and the one I am working on now has been my most difficult (bridling my tongue)... that even brings a gladness because God is moving me into more challenging issues. I truly believe He has something He needs me to do in the near future, and I need to be in right standing before He can start me on it. I know He is preparing me for whatever it is.... How Exciting!!! There are days when I have victory, there are more days when I come home from work and tell Eric "I failed the test today, I gossiped" even then I pick myself back up and start the next day with the Lords Grace to do better. He always reminds me "Your not where you need to be, but you are better than you were".
ReplyDeleteOnce in a "get to know you group" we were asked what makes you cry and what makes you laugh... my answer to both questions were "BEING TESTED BY THE LORD"
God Bless,
Kari O.
When I said "He tells me you are not were you need to be... " I was talking about Eric saying that... I gotta love that guy :)
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