top of page
Michelle Hatter

testing: count it as joy.

Updated: Sep 19



I remember testing well in school. I would study and prepare and often scored well without a ton of effort. No bragging here, because I also remember occasions when I didn’t score so well, and it would flatten me inside. I hated failing and held myself to often unnecessary standards. But in all my schooling, I have learned one thing about my understanding of testing: it doesn’t necessarily reflect what I know. Real testing, when administered properly, reflects the quality of what I know.


So it is also with God.


Today I am thinking about testing. Not what we might encounter in school, but spiritual testing. The testing of our very belief system. Examination that reveals where our true hope lies. If you know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you understand how difficult spiritual testing can be. And if we're being honest, we know the best designed tests are hard. Perhaps you are enduring one right now. I believe that we all are, every day, in nearly every moment. Every day presents an opportunity for God to examine His children; see what we are made of and how we will stand for Him when that time comes.


And it will come.


Testing is part of our human experience. Numerous players in Gods story are tested throughout all of scripture, beginning with Adam and Eve. I recognize how necessary examination is in this broken world, given the attacks and threats we face day to day. We don't know how strong a muscle is until we need to use it. In order to stand strong in the midst of strong winds, we must develop true strength. Testing of our faith refines, sifts, matures, grows, and ultimately demonstrates whether people can live up to Gods purpose. Spiritual testing reveals the quality of our relationship with God and our obedience to Him.


In Exodus 16, Moses leads the people through the wilderness, through times of lean provision. Manna is rained down in just the right amount - nothing extra, nothing short. Manna provided in each moment, in just the perfect amount needed to sustain the people. God instructs Moses to tell them not to store up for the future but only collect what is needed that day. God used that process to probe the people…and to bring them into dependence on Him. To follow instructions and measure their obedience. It tested the quality of their trust in God. The quality of their very belief system.


Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. This way I will test them to see whether or not they will follow my instructions.” Exodus 16:4


Why God provided for these people even as they grumbled is beyond my human understanding. Maybe He just loved them that much. They complained and fretted and doubted and moaned, like I often do. Yet still provided all they needed and then, even more. And He does the same for us today.


Later, in the letter of 1 Peter, Peter is speaking to the persecuted Christian gentiles who went into exile throughout Asia and surrounding regions. They were an idolatrous people before learning about and fully believing in God. Now Peter is encouraging them stay strong during trials and testing. Take a moment to read these words from Peter. Read them slow.


Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith - more valuable that gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire - may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with the inexpressible and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9


Here’s Peter, encouraging Christians to not only endure testing, but expect it. And not only expect it, but rejoice in it. Testing that with time and tuning, leads us directly into the goal of our faith: the salvation of our souls. Testing can result in tremendous faith y’all.


How then must we greet testing when it knocks at our door? Do we slam the door and try to keep it from entering…rejecting God? Do we open wide and usher it inside oblivious to the danger…denying that evil is real? Often in trials we reject one or the other. Maybe the best response is a Kingdom response…count it as joy. Neither run from or look for…but rejoice in it. We could be well served by welcoming a self reflection aligned with Gods examination. It is as the intersection of the two that we are stretched and can grow and will flourish.


Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sister, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4


The letter of James reminds me where God would like us to rest. For us to more fully mature in Christ, and actively endure with patience while living in this world, we are to count such testing as joy. What a delight for my heart that God loves me so much He wants to examine the quality of my love for Him. He cares that much for you and me both. He doesn’t settle for our mere human capacity, but provides us the Holy Spirit to build our faith, drawing us deeper and deeper into a more complete relationship with Him.  If testing is what we need, we can expect it will be administered and we can fully rely on God to provide what we need in that moment. For our growth, our good. So we can bear fruit. For His glory.


What a gift to be part of the story.

Let us count it as joy!

12 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comentários


bottom of page