What does it mean that God tests us? What does he test us for? One example is found in 1 Peter 1:6-7 where Peter tells his readers that "for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith -- more precious than gold that perished though it is tested by fire -- may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ." God allowed various trials for those Christians so that He might test the genuineness of their faith.
I take that to mean that there are trials I go through that are sovereignly ordained of God -- and not only to test my faith but also to help my faith to grow! Psalm 66 says, "For You, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out into a place of abundance." (Psalm 66:10-12). A net, a crushing burden, men riding over our heads, having to go through fire and water! All said to be tests from God. We're told that God's the author of it all. Why? For what? To bring us "into a place of abundance!" To a place of faith! To a place that says, "Come and see what God has done!" (Psalm 66:5). To a place of praise! To a place that says, "How awesome are your deeds!" (Psalm 66:3).
Let's not be too quick to discount God's involvement in the "various trials" that come our way. And let's not be slow to turn to Him in the midst of them rather than turning away. After all, He's also involved in delivering those who call out to Him!
© 2009 by Ken Peters
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