A Tried Saint
See: Exodus 15:22-27
We find in this passage God leaves these Canaanites in the land to “prove” Israel. The Bible makes it very clear that all through our lives on this earth there will be many times in which we be tested not only by Satan with evil, but also by God without evil.
Mention: James 1:3 My brethren count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations
These temptations come immediately upon our profession of faith in Christ.
See: Exodus 15:25 As Israel departed Egypt three days journey in the wilderness from the Red Sea they feared for water.
Mention: Genesis 12:10 the moment God called Abram out from his old lifestyle He tested him with a famine
See: Deut. 8:1-2 Moses tells Israel God tested them in the wilderness
What exactly is God testing?
Mention: Genesis 22:1, and Hebrews 11:17 He was testing the faith of Abraham
See: Psalms 17:3, 26:1-2 he tests our hearts
There are five things we all should know about the testing we will face.
1. Every Test Is An Open Book Test
Unlike most of the test you will take in school every test we will face in this life is an open book test.
Point: We all have the Bible at our disposal as we are tested
There are times when we are tested we are told in God’s Word to flee, stand fast, be silent or even to speak etc..,
Have you ever taken a test in school or college you never studied for and remember the outcome? The results probably were not good or you did not feel good about your performance.
Mention: 2 Tim. 2:15 This is why God perhaps tell us in His Word “Study to show thyself approve unto God (Him) and workman that needed not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth.
Certainly the Bible is our reference book for life and not instinct or some worldly solution.
2. Every Test You Are Allowed To Cheat
See: 1 Cor. 10:13
In class we become acquainted with those who excels when tested. Some are even inclined to cheat after their answers. Obviously this is not permitted in class, but God always makes a 100% on any test says look over here I have the answer.
Mention: James 1:5 if any lack wisdom let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally…
Mention: Psalms 37:22-23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD
3. Every Test Is Subject To A Re-Test
See: Genesis 12:13
And: Genesis 20:2
Here Abraham when tested tells the same lie without trusting the LORD
In fact as I have heard Christians say “This is my sister from another mother”
I do not believe God will not allow you to move on through life in a positive way without a successful grade on a given test.
Mention: Genesis 22, 26:4-5 God said Abraham obeyed my voice…He here has now matured in faith.
4. Every Test Is Personally Designed
Point: The tests of Joseph differed from Abraham etc..,
See: James 1:2-4 Though our test is personally designed they are to achieve that same outcome.
Several Things That Are Outcomes:
• To Cause Us To Return To God
• To Cause Us To Trust God
• To Cause Us To Serve God (In this we can help others with similar test of life)
See: Deut. 8:16 God want to do us good so He proves us.
5. Every Test Proves The Tester
Mention: 1 Cor. 10:9-10 The Israelites murmured and complained against and tested His patience with them
I would say this is not how we would want to test the tester.
I have heard some say do not put a fleece before God but then I read how Gideon did so along with hearing the interpretation of a dream that confirmed victory for him against the Midianites.
By putting out this fleece he was testing God and it would be no different if I prayed Lord if it thy will for me to do this or that make it evident unto me.
Mention: Malachi 3:10 God says prove Me by giving unto Him and see what He will do in our lives based upon faithful stewardship.
Point: When we are tested in this life God says unto us prove Me and see if I will perform My role in the testing.
In this life we can all expect to be tested!
Mention: Job 23:10 When I am tried I shall come forth as gold. We should have this same desire as Job of old.
