“For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment.” Psalm 66:10

This Is A Test

I think the majority of us have at one time heard the interruption of our TV or radio when that abrupt “squawking” sound comes on, accompanied by a reader board or voice that directed our attention to heed an important announcement. Most times it is “only a test of the emergency alert system”, but in the event of an actual emergency you would be directed to stay tuned for further instructions.

Testing should not be a surprise to us. Since our earliest days we’ve experienced tests. Our school years were a series of regular tests to see what we learned and if we were ready to pass on to the next grade. Fire drills (tests) prepared us for an actual emergency, which not only trained us what to do physically, but also how to respond mentally and emotionally in order to remain calm in case of an actual crisis.

Just as God tested the children of Israel as He led them to the promised land, He tests His kids today as He leads us along our journey to trust and live in His promises. Yes, to be sure, there are giants in the land, but we are not to fear or let them detour us. Jesus told us, “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b).

All through the Old and New Testaments, we read many passages of how God tested His people (Psalm 81:7; Isaiah 48:10; 1 Peter 1:6, 7; 4:12). So why should we be surprised or alarmed when He tests us? “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2, 3).

Just like our schoolteachers tested us, our heavenly Father brings tests to show us what we have or haven’t learned—not to flunk us if we fail, but to give us another opportunity to learn and retake the test!

God has been faithful to all generations throughout all the ages (Psalm 100:5) and that includes us today. So when the tests come, stay tuned for further instructions, then look expectantly and confidently to Him for His direction and provision, trusting Him to bring us “out to rich fulfillment.”

“Lord, You are the same yesterday, today and forever. I am so grateful that no matter how minor or major our emergency, we can trust You in it. May You be pleased with our responses to the crises (or tests) in our lives, all for Your glory. Amen.”