Tests give students the opportunity to show what they are capable of. God wants us to put Him to test so that He can show us that He is in control and that He can handle to details of our lives. And while most of us dislike tests, God will sometimes test us to see where our faith lies.
Recently, I felt that God was pointing me in one direction and the more I thought about it, the more I knew that I did not really want to go that way because it would involve me having to give up something that I treasured. And more times than not, God will test us with the things and people that we hold closest to our hearts.
Our first response is usually to attempt to bargain with God -“Well maybe instead of doing this, I can do this. It’s just as good as what you asked me to do.” After that, we start to doubt or question God – “Maybe God really isn’t speaking to me on this, maybe I’m being too spiritual.”
But when God tests us, its usually not the test itself that He is after. He may ask us to do something as small as to be the first to apologize, despite the fact that we feel we were wronged. Or he may ask us to give up an activity that is dear to us to devote more time to Him. Regardless of the test, God is really seeking you. He is seeking your heart. He wants you to be quick to obey Him regardless of what it costs.
We should be eager to put God to the test in our lives as it helps to build our faith in Him. Likewise, let us not be afraid to accept tests from God and to use those opportunities to build our obedience muscles. 1 John 2:3-6 teaches that our love for God shows through our willingness to obey Him.
In what way is God testing you currently? Will you be obedient or will you try to bargain your way out of a chance to grow in faith and obedience?
