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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
When we ask why God tests us or allows us to be tested, we are admitting that testing does indeed come from Him. When God tests His children, He does a valuable thing. David sought God's testing, asking Him to examine his heart and mind and see that they were true to Him (Psalm 26:2; 139:23). When Abram was tested by God in the matter of sacrificing Isaac, Abram obeyed (Hebrews 11:17-19) and showed to all the world that he is the father of faith (Romans 4:16).
In both the Old and New Testaments, the words translated "test" mean "to prove by trial." Therefore, when God tests His children, His purpose is to prove that our faith is real. Not that God needs to prove it to Himself since He knows all things, but He is proving to us that our faith is real, that we are truly His children, and that no trial will overcome our faith.
In His Parable of the Sower, Jesus identifies the ones who fall away as those who receive the seed of God's Word with joy, but, as soon as a time of testing comes along, they fall away. James says that the testing of our faith develops perseverance, which leads to maturity in our walk with God (James 1:3-4). James goes on to say that testing is a blessing, because, when the testing is over and we have "stood the test," we will "receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him" (James 1:12). Testing comes from our heavenly Father who works all things together for good for those who love Him and who are called to be the children of God (Romans 8:28).
The testing or trials we undergo come in various ways. Becoming a Christian will often require us to move out of our comfort zones and into the unknown. Perseverance in testing results in spiritual maturity and completeness. This is why James wrote, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds" (James 1:2). The testing of faith can come in small ways and daily irritations; they may also be severe afflictions (Isaiah 48:10) and attacks from Satan (Job 2:7). Whatever the source of the testing, it is to our benefit to undergo the trials that God allows.
The account of Job is a perfect example of God's allowing one of His saints to be tested by the devil. Job bore all his trials patiently and "did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing" (Job 1:22). However, the account of Job's testing is proof that Satan's ability to try us is limited by God's sovereign control. No demon can test or afflict us with beyond what God has ordained. All our trials work toward God's perfect purpose and our benefit.
There are many examples of the positive results of being tested. The psalmist likens our testing to being refined like silver (Psalm 66:10). Peter speaks of our faith as "of greater worth than gold," and that's why we "suffer grief in all kinds of trials" (1 Peter 1:6-7). In testing our faith, God causes us to grow into strong disciples who truly live by faith and not by what we see (2 Corinthians 5:7).
When we experience the storms of life, we should be like the tree that digs its roots ever more deeply for a greater grip in the earth. We must "dig our roots" more deeply into God's Word and cling to His promises so we can weather whatever storms come against us.
Most comforting of all, we know that God will never allow us to be tested beyond what we are able to handle by His power. His grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). "That is why," Paul said, "for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
See http://www.gotquestions.org/why-does-God-test-us.html
joyce whaley
I’ve come to learned that the trying of our faith (test and trials) allows the Lord the opportunity to work the various Fruits of the Spirit within us. That coincides with the “perfecting of the Saints” found in Ephesians 4: 12 … love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, faith and temperance….” And it’s for no other reason than to make us better human beings for his glory for this world and the world to come. These acts (test and trials) will eventually show people and ourselves the growing in grace process in various areas of our lives. Case and point: When I first accepted the Lord as my personal savior I was quick tempered and nine times out of ten I would give and individual the lashing of a lifetime if they approached me incorrectly. However with time and grace (test and trials) I am not so quick in responding to foolishness without thinking first. And depending on the person and the age I probably would not even respond to the innuendoes that might come my way. Test comes to make you stronger in the Lord and to bring about a better witness of the Lords goodness. I’m sure you’ve been around some old timer that would say “child it would have been a time when I would have did this or that to a person that said a certain thing to me” then they would pause and say “but thanks’ be to God I am not what I use to be”. That kind of language my friend can only come with test and trials. This is a foot note, if you do not pass the test or trial the first time. Please note that it will find you again later on in life, so by all means make every effort to pass the test the first time around.
Mirela Kolak
God does not test us, he allow things to happen for a reason and help us to overcome temptations. Some trials are due to our own imperfections or are a consequence of the system of things in which we live. Others are due to the enmity that exists between those who serve God and those who do not. (Gen. 3:15) From early on in human history, God has helped his faithful servants to withstand religious persecution, resist harmful peer pressure, and endure all kinds of other adversities. His holy spirit can empower us to do the same. (King James Version James 1: 13-15 " 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." James 1: 2-5 "2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.") God’s servants today cannot escape tests. The test may be more in what God allows to happen than in what he tells us to do. The apostle Paul wrote: “All those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) Such persecution may come from schoolmates, friends, relatives, neighbors, or misinformed governmental authorities. It may include verbal and physical abuse as well as interference with a Christian’s making a living. True Christians also experience the problems common to mankind—sickness, disappointments, and injustices. All such trials test a person’s faith. The apostle Peter called attention to positive aspects of having one’s faith tested: “You have been grieved by various trials, in order that the tested quality of your faith, of much greater value than gold that perishes despite its being proved by fire, may be found a cause for praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6, 7) Yes, the effects of tests are compared to the refining of gold by fire. The refining process reveals what is pure and removes impurities. Something similar takes place in connection with our faith when we experience tests. The fact that tests may reveal weaknesses in our faith can also be beneficial if we thus see the need to take corrective measures. A person does well to ask himself: ‘How can I strengthen my faith? Strengthening one’s faith may require improving one’s spiritual appetite, showing “a longing for the unadulterated milk belonging to the word.” (1 Peter 2:2; Hebrews 5:12-14) This calls for more than reading the Bible. It is important that we think about what God’s Word is telling us and apply the admonition given. (James 1:22-25) As a result, our love for God will grow, our prayers will be more specific and personal, and our faith in him will become stronger.
Salem Markus Purba
Because man is an image of God (Genesis 1: 27), having a knowledge of good and evil, therefore, having a potential of doing good and evil as God is (Genesis 3: 22). By testing man, God knows and ensures the real and genuine response of man's heart (1 Samuel 16: 7); good or evil as God had given a freedom of choice to man: being blessed or being cursed (Deuteronomy 28: 1-68).
RICK PORTER
Peira, the Greek word used, means an endeavor, to scrutinize, to discipline, to assay, to examine, to prove, to try. Also, it means to tempt, but {James 1:13] says God never tempts to do evil, so all the other actions are for building up to become the best we can be for God's service and Glory.
Folasade Obasohan
And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. -Haggai 2:7. Every trial we pass through as christians is to eventually cause the emergence of God's desire through us. When we respond in faith and lean on the comfort of the scriptures we don't remain the same but have attained a height in the realm of the spirit.
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