PSALM 11:4-5 – The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.”
THEME OF THE DAY: THE TESTED LIFE. There are few, if any days, in the life of a Christian, we don’t find ourselves tested by the Lord. It might be a “small test” like whether or not we are going to display ungodly impatience or godly patience when things or people are just a little irritating. Or the test might be of the “medium range”, not too hard, but not easy also. This test could be a “low level” conflict with a rebellious child or an insensitive spouse requiring some grace-filled conversation. Here the test is just that . . . are we going to extend grace and work the conflict out in a godly manner or extend ultimatums that are harsh and damaging. Then we might encounter the “biggy type of test.” Like this one confronting Abraham – After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you” (Genesis 22:1-2).
Yes, the Christian life is the tested life, but don’t doubt or question God’s love when the tests come. These tests are actually from His love. He doesn’t want spiritually immature and crying babies who throw spiritual temper tantrums by complaining over life’s difficulties. So, He tests us to build maturity, stability, and the necessary virtues for both. James reminds us of this purpose in the first chapter of his letter – James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:1-4).
As these tests come, how should we react? Here are three applications.
First, live life expecting tests and that by way of trials. Christian, don’t act shocked or surprised when difficulties come. Be prepared for them. Ponder these words of Peter – Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed (1 Peter 4:12-13). To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
Next, realize these tests are not just random happenings in life. They just didn’t pop in one morning. They were sent one morning. God is working out His purposes in our lives and that means everything is purposeful. No such thing as chance. The Psalmist proclaims of the Lord, “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me” (Psalm 57:2).
Finally, submit oneself and our tests to the Lord trusting Him to teach us what we need to know and delivering us from it when the lesson is learned – Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. (Psalm 37:5). We find rest in submitting to the Lord and the working out of His purpose for us in tests, not in complaining or rebelling in them.
The tested life. It is our calling this side of heaven until we get to heaven. Rejoice that God loves us enough to send us tests for our good and His glory.
PRAYER: “Father, help me to see tests as tools of sanctification to grow me to be more like your Son, the greatest of all pursuits.”
QUOTE: “God’s love is behind the testing of His children. He knows the testing matures His children to be like His Son.”
In the affection of Christ Jesus,
Pastor Jim