I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness, in the uprightness of the heart. – 1 Chronicle 29:17
Testing may not be pleasant, but it is an important part of life. Products such as toys, automobiles, or appliances must be tested to make sure they work. In academia, students undergo testing before they go on to the next level of learning, for eventually, they will be applying what they learn in their careers.
When you become a believer in Christ, you learn His ways through Bible teaching and training. God tests you to ensure you are learning and His Word is working in your life. It is important to be not only a hearer of the Word but a doer of the Word as well. How does He test you?
Frustrating experiences may arise in your life to test your patience. Perhaps there is a difficult person in your path to test your love. While God does not tempt you to do evil (James 1:13), He may allow an opportunity to test your integrity. He provides tests to make sure you are understanding whatever He is teaching you. It was the Holy Spirit who led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1).
Are you being tested? Are you attentive to what God teaches you, putting action to His lessons in your life? The new year is an opportunity to set goals. Have you set some that include encouraging your brothers and sisters in Christ, giving to and helping others, and sharing God’s Word? Thank Him for the tests in your life and ask Him to give you the grace and strength to pass them.
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