TESTING means revealing a person’s strength, quality or capabilities by putting them under strain. A TEST is a procedure intended to establish the quality, performance, or reliability of something, especially before it is taken into widespread use. (I know, that’s deep!) In education and employment, a test is a short written or spoken examination of a person’s proficiency or knowledge. Our schooling has taught us that tests are a part of maturing and development. They show whether or not we have acquired sufficient skills, abilities, knowledge or information to go to the next level. God tests us to reveal our readiness for greater things.
The Lord allowed Job to be tested under the greatest personal strain. In one day Job’s livestock and servants were attacked and killed, his sheep and herders were burned with fire, his camels and servants were raided and his sons and daughters were killed by winds that collapsed his home. (Job 1) The test didn’t come because he was sinful and godless, but because he was an upright man whom God wanted to use to give Him glory. Job would worship Jehovah no matter what his losses or stresses were.The Bible
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says “In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.” (Job 1:21) Even when God allowed the devil to touch Job’s physical body, he did not curse his Lord. Throughout Scripture, the patriarchs and matriarchs were tested. Abraham had to leave his family and comfort zone, and sacrifice his only son. Esther’s courage was tried to petition the king for the salvation of the Jews. The Hebrew Boys and Daniel’s commitments to worship God were tested in the fiery furnace and the lion’s den. James said that we are to count, or consider it all joy when we face trials of many kinds, because the testing of our faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4) So endure the testing…and don’t quit!!
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I’ve never been a fan of tests – particularly not the multiple-choice ones. Most annoying are the ones where several things can be true at the same time, or only one thing is the most true. It seems that is how life presents itself. We have to make decisions by faith between complex options that could have negative or positive outcomes. Our tests involve risks in finance, relationships, and calling. Tests present grueling choices without guarantees. Will we be fully persuaded that God is with us? Will we worship Him no matter what the outcome? Passing this test could qualify you for widespread use!
