Most of us likely experienced our first encounter with the word or concept of “test” as children, only to repeat it ourselves as parents: “Don’t test my patience!”
That was soon followed by going to school where the idea of a test took on a new, and sometimes scary meaning. It didn’t help much when the teacher took attendance, ordered everyone to get quiet, and then scratched the letters q-u-i-z onto the chalkboard. As if doing poorly on a quiz was less impactful than failing a test.
Twelve years of education, with maybe another two to six added for good measure, meant more of the same. Tests, tests, tests. And let’s not forget driver tests and a myriad of arts or sports competitions that involved some aspect of being tested.
As adults, we continue the process. While the test may not include an evaluation of our addition and subtraction skills, from a health and wellness standpoint they now include a veritable panoply of body scans, body pokes, and a somewhat uncomfortable mix of fluid and/or other substance withdrawals.
Eventually we learn the occasional test of whatever nature is a part of life, although that doesn’t necessarily make things easier. Some tests may be unpleasant or involve pain, psychological and/or physical. Which suggests we probably won’t jump up and down with joy at the prospect of the next one.
And yet, this isn’t the sum total of our opportunities for a test. For the Christian, it doesn’t take long to discover God also believes in them, to the tune of at least 60 times in Scripture. Ouch.
There are many perspectives to a Divine test. [The Lord even allows satan to test us.] The following are just a few:
Then the LORD said to Moses:I am going to rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather their daily portion; thus will I test them, to see whether they follow my instructions or not. [Exodus 16:4]
You have tested my heart, searched it in the night. You have tried me by fire, but find no malice in me. [Psalm 17:3]
Then there is the humility and boldness of David to state: Examine me, Lord, and test me; search my heart and mind. [Psalm 26:2]
Or consider this idea: Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless, of course, you fail the test. [2 Corinthians 13:5]
And if this isn’t enough, we are admonished to not take things into our own hands: Jesus answered him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.’” [Matthew 4:7]
While the thought of a “Divine Test” may be unsettling, it helps me to recall what an insightful teacher used to tell our class of anxious students: “Relax. Think of a test as showing you what you do know, and the areas where you need to do some work.”
It’s all about perspective. If we can shift from a “God’s gonna get me mode” to “God, your tests help me see the path to become more like Jesus,” then we will likely continue to grow and mature into more loving, compassionate people with each passing day.
Do I get unnerved at the idea of a Divine test? Why?
How do I feel about tests as a way to show me what I have learned or overcome?
Can I trust God’s love to carry me through times of testing?
