TESTED

While reading an Old Testament text, I was reminded of this idea. At times, God does test our faith. He did so with Abraham in Genesis 22; He did so with Job. But the tests are for a purpose, much like the refining of silver or gold.

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (NIV)

David in this Psalm, asked to be searched, tested and known. What did he want tested? His heart--what was in him. His thoughts, especially anxious, worried thoughts. And if there were any offensive, evil ways within him--ways that would be contrary to God.

Notice the contrast--anxious thoughts and offensive ways are contrary to the everlasting way. As I read these verses, I see how much growth I need in my own life.

How does this happen? At times, God just brings things to mind as we pray. But most of the time, this conviction, this awareness that life is not as God would want it to be is tested through the reading/study of the Bible--God's Word to human beings.

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (NIV)
\
Notice the Word of God represents God's mind and God's actions and God's intentions for us. David asked for his heart, mind and actions to be tested. Here in Hebrews, we find the Bible judges our thoughts and attitudes. As we read the Bible, it shows us ways that we have missed the mark--lived our way rather than God's way. And that is an opportunity to repent and turn back to God's way and God's thoughts again. God is a God of forgiveness, cleansing and restoration.

Often we think that when we are going through hardship it is a judgment of God. It can be, but it also can be God's way of improving our faith, growing our faith and maturing our faith. Look at the hardships the apostle Paul went through in 2 Corinthians 11:16-28. If Paul went through testing, will we not also do so.

Then in James 1:3, I am reminded of the purpose of testing of our faith. "because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. " (NIV)

Will we stick with God when times are hard? Will we prove that faith is real or will we fall by the wayside. The parable of the soils says that only 1 of the 4 soils will persevere. But the good soil is the one who perseveres, even through the testing, through the trials, through the hardships.

God's purpose in testing us is not to cause us to fall away. But it is an opportunity to prove our faith is genuine, and to let God be God, even when things are not going well. And from our experience of going through testing, we will learn to persevere with God, rather than giving up.

I don't like testing, but I know there is a purpose in the mysterious ways of God. And what I can do is pray and read and wait on God's answers. That is where I am right now. Where are you?

And if you are not in testing at this time, read and study to prepare for the next big test. And pray for others who are going through this right now--that they will persevere.