To Be Tested

To Be Tested

All kinds of difficulties cause all kinds of temptations. Whenever this happens, invariably the outcome will be one of two things: either it will result in a fall, or in victory. There is no third possibility. Most people lack light and understanding; they lack a living faith in victory. This is precisely why they view all difficulties, temptations, and trials as a misfortune. One of the most common things in existence among both unconverted and converted is (unfortunately) that they complain of their difficulties, and by doing that, they make things miserable for themselves and for others.

We have a key word concerning this matter in 1 Corinthians 10:13. Oh, that every person could and would fully and firmly believe this word! God Himself guarantees that no one has had or can have difficulties, and the consequent temptations, that are too great. The outcome of the temptations is either a fall or a victory, with God guaranteeing that we will always be able to bear it irrespective of the outcome.

When we react in the right way, we will always profit from all our trials, and this is exactly what God intends. If we have passed the test, we will thereby be strengthened to continue confidently on the way on which we are walking. If we did not pass the test, we received unmistakable proof that we were not in such a good state, and as a result we were provoked to seriously seek more of God so that we could gain the victory next time.

Everything must be tested! It is prudent and useful and good in every case! The opposite, which is to accept anything without further ado, would be foolish. God is not foolish, and we should definitely stop being foolish; therefore God is very interested in helping us not to be foolish. One of our biblical names of honor is “Children of Wisdom.” It is possible to rightfully bear this name by being thoroughly and radically saved and transformed!

Let us read in the Bible concordance under “test/trial”: “God tested Abraham . . . .” Gen. 22:1. “God withdrew from him, in order to test him . . . .” 2 Chr. 32:31. “When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10. “Because it is a testing . . . .” Ezek. 21:13. “And in time of testing [they] fall away.” Luke 8:13. “But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials.” Luke 22:28. “Serving the Lord . . . with many tears and trials.” Acts 20:19. “That I might put you to the test whether you are obedient . . . .” 2 Cor. 2:9. “That we are not of those who do not pass the test.” 2 Cor. 13:6.

“To present yourself tested by God . . . .” 2 Tim. 2:15. “The testing of your faith produces patience.” Jas. 1:3. “When he has been tested, he will receive the crown of life . . . .” Jas. 1:12. “Do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you . . . .” 1 Pet. 4:12. “God has come to test you . . . .” Ex. 20:20. “For the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God . . . .” Deut. 13:3. “So that through them I may test Israel . . . .” Judg. 2:22. “And test him every moment?” Job 7:18. “God tests the hearts and minds.” Ps. 7:9. “His eyes . . . test the sons of men.” Ps. 11:4. “The Lord tests the righteous . . . .” Ps. 11:5. “You have tested my heart . . . you have tried me and have found nothing . . . .” Ps. 17:3. Namely, nothing to blame or to point the finger at! Think that David could say this in the dispensation of the old covenant! “Examine me, and test me, O Lord, and prove me . . . .” Ps. 26:2. An unusual prayer! “For You, O God, have proved us; You have refined us . . . .” Ps. 66:10.

“Prove me, O God, and know my thoughts . . . .” Ps. 139:23. An unusual prayer! “But the Lord tests the hearts.” Prov. 17:3. “A man is tested by what others say of him.” Prov. 27:21. “This occurs so that God can test them.” Eccl. 3:18. “I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” Isa. 48:10. “You have seen me, and You have tested my heart toward You.” Jer. 12:3. “You who test the righteous . . . .” Jer. 20:12. “Many shall be purified, made white, and refined [tested] . . . .” Dan. 12:10. “And test them as gold is tested.” Zech. 13:9.

“But this He said to test him . . . .” John 6:6. “Greet Apelles, approved [tested] in Christ.” Rom. 16:10. “And the fire will test each one’s work . . . .” 1 Cor. 3:13. “That in a great trial of affliction . . . .” Read 2 Corinthians 8:2. “But I am testing the sincerity of your love . . . .” 2 Cor. 8:8. “But let each one examine [test] his own work . . . .” Gal. 6:4. “But you know his tested character . . . .” Phil. 2:22. “Not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.” 1 Thess. 2:4. “But let these also first be proved; then let them serve . . . .” 1 Tim. 3:10. Jesus “was in all points tested as we are . . . .” Heb. 4:15. “That your tested faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ . . . .” 1 Pet. 1:7. “Throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested . . . .” Rev. 2:10. “To test those who dwell on the earth.” Rev. 3:10. “I have set you as a tester . . . .” Jer. 6:27.

The main impression we receive from all these scriptures is obviously, that all kinds of tests are some of the most necessary, useful, and best things for all those who love to be thoroughly saved instead of having it comfortable and enjoying life.

Our heavenly calling is to stand after we have overcome all!