DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE TEST

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE TEST

"However, regarding the ambassadors of the principles of Babylon, whom they sent to him to inquire about the wonder that was done in the land, God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He (or he) might know all that was in his heart." (II Chronicles 32:31)

Does God ever test people? Hezekiah had a test. You can read this episode in II Kings 20:12-19 when Hezekiah's pride got the best of him and he exalted himself before the men from Babylon. There are many illustrations in the Bible about God testing his people. There was Abraham's test concerning the sacrifice of his son, Isaac (Genesis 22:1; Hebrews 11:17). He tested the people of Israel at the waters of Marah (Exodus 15:25). God told Israel that He tested them in the furnace of affliction (Isaiah 48:10). God also tests us.

Why does God test us? Is it to see us fail? I think not. God tests us so that we will know our own hearts – how strong and how valid our faith is. God tested Israel to show whether they would walk in His law or not (Exodus 16:4b). I Peter 1:7 says that God tests our faith to show that it is genuine.

I don't necessarily like tests. When I was in school, they caused me a lot of stress. And they still do. Tests of my faith causes stress. But in my tests, God is showing me areas that I need to improve or strengthen. It may be a test of my patience. It may be a test of my love. It may be a test of my will. But if I keep at it until the end of the test, my faith will be stronger, and so will the witness of God's grace. God has the answer sheet – He knows how the test will turn out.

I have to take the test alone. I cannot copy someone else's answer. That's called cheating. I have to trust God for myself. But, unlike Hezekiah, God does not abandon us in our test. It may seem that we are alone in the midst of the test. But He is there to strengthen and encourage us when we turn to Him for help.

So, don't be afraid or alarmed in the middle of a test. God is refining and shaping us into the image of Christ. He is there, and we have the promise of Philippians 1:6: "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Love, Dad