Test of Life
2 Chronicles 32 v. 31 "God left Hezekiah to test him and to know everything that was in his heart."
I have discovered as I allow God to bring change in my life, that God continually tests me as he develops my character, faith, obedience, love, integrity, and loyalty. There are words in scripture like trials, temptations, refining and testing that occur over and over. God tested Abraham by asking him to offer his son Isaac. God tested Jacob when he had to work extra years to earn Rachel as his wife. Adam and Eve failed their test in the Garden of Eden and David failed a test from God on several occasions. However, the Bible gives us many examples of people who passed great tests, such as Joseph, Ruth, Esther, and Daniel.
To me character is both developed and revealed by problems in our lives. All of life is a test. We are always being tested. I believe God is constantly watching your response to people, problems, success, conflict, illness, disappointment, and even the weather! He even watches the simplest actions such as when you open the door for others, when you pick up a piece of trash, or when you are polite to a waiter, cashier anyone that you take the time to intentionally give a smile to.
I don't know all the tests God gives me, but I can predict some of them, based on the Bible. You will be tested by major changes, by delayed promises, by impossible problems, by unanswered prayers, underserved criticism, and even senseless tragedies.
I believe one of the most important tests God can give us is how we act when we can't feel God's presence in our lives. Sometimes God intentionally draws back, and we cannot sense His closeness. A king named Hezekiah experienced this test. The Bible says, God left Hezekiah to test him and to know everything that was in his heart." 2Chronicles 32 v.31
Hezekiah had enjoyed a close relationship with God, but a crucial point in his life God drew back from him to test his character, to reveal a weakness, and to prepare him for more responsibility. As I grow to understand that life is a test, I realize more and more that nothing is insignificant in my life. Even the smallest incidents have significance for character development. Every day is important and every second is a growth opportunity if we choose to allow it to deepen our character, to demonstrate love to someone, and to depend on God.
The Good news is in 1 Corinthians 10 v. 13 it says "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful: he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when tempted, he will also provide away out so that you can endure.”
Today I challenge you to not allow the tests of life you are going through push you away from the Cross of Christ Jesus but to allow it to be something that pulls you closer to the Cross of Christ Jesus.
In His Grip
Pastor Matt