Our Tests Matter

Jan 21, 2020

Good Morning Fellow Travelers,

Read: 1Pe 1:3-12


“But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled…. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.” (1Pe 3:14, 17)


Never think that your particular problems and tests are not important to God. Read the first couple chapters of the book of Job. There you will learn that God takes such an interest in us that He just might be the one behind our tests. He may even suggest them to the devil.

This discussion between God and Satan in the book of Job is a rare glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes in God’s dealing with you and me. Here we may realize the significance of our testing; that our tests have cosmic importance. Does it matter to God that our faith and trust in Him is put to a supreme test? It most surely does. Here is an entire book in the Bible devoted to revealing the test of one man.

Remember that our own small history of faith takes place within the larger drama of the history of the universe. You and I are foot soldiers in the spiritual battle that rages between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of evil. C.S Lewis says, “There is no neutral ground in the universe. Every square inch, every split second, is claimed by God, and counter claimed by the devil.”

So, how significant are your tests? God staked His reputation on Job’s faithfulness, and He is no doubt doing the same thing in your tests. The beautiful thing here is that Job’s faith gained for God a great victory.

Brother, Sister, remember this: God wants your ultimate victory. Can you say with Job, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust him?” (Job 13:15) Can you say this when you are stripped bare of wealth and health, and family and friends, and when pain descends and everything hurts? This is not the “grin and bear it” kind of faith, but rather it is a faith that says, “Lord, you know what is best for me.” Lord, give us such faith.

Our faith and the tests that try our faith are hugely significant. The severity of the test is so that we can believe and trust in God for no other reason than . . . well, for no reason at all beyond the fact that He as a sovereign God has the right to do what He wants with me.

Get ready. That dialogue between God and Satan may be about you today.

~ James Baer

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