March 8, 2024 – Yes G-d Will Test You

“Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds among mortals. He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There we rejoiced in him, who rules by his might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations—let the rebellious not exalt themselves. For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; you laid burdens on our backs; you let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a spacious place.” Psalm 66:5-7, 10-12

“God has chosen to let you live in this fallen world because he plans to employ the difficulties of it to continue and complete his work in you. This means that those moments of difficulty are not an interruption of his plan or the failure of his plan, but rather an important part of his plan.” (“New Morning Mercies”, March; Paul David Tripp)

It is hard for us to hear that G-d tests G-d’s people. And yet we cannot read the Old Testament without coming to such a conclusion. It is tempting to think that because you’re G-d’s child, your life should be easier and definitely more comfortable. But that’s not what the Bible teaches. Instead, it reveals that struggles are part of G-d’s plan for G-d’s people. This means we must never allow ourselves to think that the hard things we are now going through are failures of G-d’s character, promises, power, or plan. You must not allow yourself to think that G-d has forsaken you.

There is a difference between testing and temptation. Temptations are things that entice us to do things we may or do not want to do. Testing, on the other hand seeks to determine we are who we say we are and do what we say we profess. Satan will always be the source of temptations, in the Christian perspective. Satan will always seek to entice us to follow paths that do not lead us to G-d. G-d, on the other hand, will test us to see if we are the people and the followers we profess. Temptations often lead to tearing us down and are not a part of G-d’s plan. Tests will help us grow – and G-d will use those tests to make us stronger and more faithful followers. And finally, we trust that the Holy Spirit guides us through all temptations and tests.

Pastor Dave