Welcome to another day the Lord has made that we should rejoice and be glad in. (Psalms 118:24)

Today we will seek clarity on misunderstandings of tests given or permitted by God.

In 1 Peter 1:6‭-‬7 (NLT) we’re given the primary purpose of God’s tests…
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

Then in Genesis 22:1‭-‬2 (NLT), we see where God tested Abraham…
Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called. “Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.” “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.”

A few verses later, God let Abraham know that he passed the test…
And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. At that moment the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!” “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.” – Genesis 22:10‭-‬12 NLT

Also, in Job 1:8‭-‬12 (NLT), we see where God offered and allowed Job to be tested…
Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.” Satan replied to the Lord, “Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!” “All right, you may test him,” the Lord said to Satan. “Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence.

Consider…
According to Oxford Languages dictionary, one definition of a test is to reveal the strengths or capabilities of (someone or something) by putting them under strain.

There’s a story about Amy Carmichael, where she asks a goldsmith how he knows when the gold is pure. His answer is such a powerful reminder of God’s goal for us. He said, “When I can see my face in it then it is pure.”

Today, my goal is to clarify a couple of misunderstandings of tests.

• Our Faith is tested, because it is critically important to God. Hebrews 11:6 (ERV) says…Without faith no one can please God. Whoever comes to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who sincerely try to find him.
• Tests are revelations of faith to those who believe and judgements to those who don’t. Jesus said in John 3:18‭-‬21 (NLT)…“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”

Oftentimes when we’re going through trials, we think God is judging and punishing us for things we’ve done or not done. It’s as if we see God with a report card, keeping tally of everything we do. While it is true that God will judge us, it’s not true that everything that happens is punishment from Him. Sometimes, we go through hardships to reveal our faith.

It’s good to know that God is both a goldsmith and judge. While we are here on earth, the tests and trials are meant to “show that your faith is genuine”. However, there will be a final assessment, not an exam, because it will be too late, according to Romans 2:6‭-‬8 (NLT), which states…
He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness.

Accordingly, the tests we encounter along the way in our lives serve as mini-assessments in preparation for that final assessment. The tests reveal whether we are “doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers” or living for ourselves, refusing to obey the truth and instead living lives of wickedness.

God tests also reveal to us if we’re living out 1 Peter 1:14‭-‬17 (NLT)…
So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.”

Are we living as Kingdom citizens in temporary residency here on earth?

As stated before, God is omniscient. Therefore, He gives or allow test to reveal how much we look like Jesus. Romans 8:29 (NLT)
says…
For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

If you claim to be a child of God, when you look in the mirror, do you see Jesus?

Finally, continuing with the test of the genuineness of our faith, He’s wants us to see if Romans 12:2 (NLT) reveals we’re conformed to the world or transformed into Christ-likeness…
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

So, whatever you’re going through, remember it is only a test that reveals if there’s more of Jesus or too much of you. Learn from the results and know that regardless of how you did, you will be given another test to do better next time. Therefore, keep studying in the meantime and between time for God’s next time.

Psst… The short answer to all of God’s test is yes Lord, You’re my first love and number one priority! Don’t tell Him I told you though. Dang it, He already knows. Oh well, keep practicing putting Him first! Putting Him first shows your faith that He exists and you’re diligently seeking Him (Hebrews 11:6). If you keep doing that, you’ll always be ready for any test He gives or allows.

Today’s song is…
It’s Only A Test
https://youtu.be/FyJmGnYNKAA?si=kMF3-LzCLK0zi6du

Blessings 4HG (1 Corinthians 10:31)