When students sign up for a class, they expect to be tested. They know they will be taught and then tested. They hope to pass the test.
Many of us want God to teach us, but we don’t want to be tested.
I have quoted David the psalmist many times. I have shared how we should be as open to God as he was.
David said,
“Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24
I did consider it extraordinarily brave that David invited God to test him. Had he not read the book of Job?😱. Satan brought the challenges, but God allowed the tests.
I have had some physical problems for the past week. The continuation of troubling symptoms resulted in my being tempted into anxious thoughts.
Tonight I was reading David’s words again, as I was begging God to help me. Right in the midst of my moaning and groaning, God said in my spirit, “Did you mean it?”
He said, “You invited me to test you. Did you mean it?”
“Well,” I said, “I thought You were going to test things like my memory of scriptures. I did not think the tests would be this hard.”
He said, “I’m doing what you asked. I am searching your heart. Would you like to know what I am finding there?”
We had a heart to heart conversation. I will spare you the details. But suffice it to say, He found doubts, fears, untruths, and a lot more.
Unfortunately He found offensive ways too. We are working on that.
But I am confident He is also leading me in the way everlasting. Please pray I pass my tests!
The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but The Lord tests hearts.
Proverbs 17:3
