We have all encountered some sort of major test in our lives. Some come as a total surprise or have been marked on the calendar to remind you to prepare for it. From chapter assessments to life threatening illnesses, we can relate all along the spectrum.
We are going to be tested. We can not control the test but we can control our response to it.
One of the most infamous accounts of testing in the bible, is the story of Job. Job was a faithful and righteous man of God who did what right in the sight of God and he prospered because of it. Satan met with God to express his desire to test Job for he believed Job was only faithful to God because of the blessings God had given him. Satan surmised that if his family, wealth and health were stripped from him, Job would curse God and turn away.
In this case we see that the purpose of the test is to shift the focus from God to the circumstance so that Job becomes so consumed with his condition that he turns his heart away from God.
Then we have Saul, a man who orchestrated the persecution of many Christians. Apparently, God had been testing his conscience prior to his blinding encounter with the light of God on his trip to Damascus. God needed to get Saul's attention so He took away his sight forcing him to examine his heart. God tested the heart of Saul to propel him to a greater purpose so Saul, renamed Paul, could lead numerous people to God.
In this case we see that the purpose of the test is to shift the focus from the circumstance to God in preparation for the mighty ways God intended to use Paul.
Every test we encounter is not directly from God but we can choose to direct our focus toward God as he helps us to endure and develop our character for His greater purpose. The by-product of a test is what builds your character to lead people to God. Count it all joy.
Power Verses
Gold and silver are tested by fire, and a person's heart is tested by the Lord. (Proverbs 17:3 GNB)
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (James 1:2-4 NLT)
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