This life metaphor is seen in stories throughout the Bible. God continually tests people's character, faith, obedience, love, integrity, and loyalty. Words like trials, temptations, refining, and testing occur more that 200 times in the Bible.
Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and all of life is a test. You are always being tested. God constantly watching your response to people, problems, success, conflict, illness, disappointment, and even the weather! He even watches the simplest actions such as when you open a door for others, when you pick up a piece of trash, or when you're polite toward the clerk o waitress.
We don't know all the tests God will give you, but we can predict some of them, based on the Bible. You will be tested by major changes, delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayers, undeserved critism, and even senseless tragedies...A very important test is how you act when you can't feel God's presence in your life. Sometimes God intentionally draws back, and we don't sense his closeness. A king named Hezekiah experienced this test. The Bible says, "God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart." 2 Chronicles 32:31 (NLT) Hezekiah have enjoyed a close fellowship with God, but at a crucial point in his life God left him alone to test his character, to reveal a weakness, and to prepare him for more responsibility.
When you understand that life is a test, you realize that nothing is insignificant in your life. Even the smallest incident has significance for your character development. Every day is an important day, and every second is a growth opportunity to deepen your character, to demonstrate love, or to depend on God. Some tests seem overwhelming, while others you don't even notice. But all of them have eternal implications.
The good news is that God wants you to pass the tests of life, so he never allows the tests you face to be greater than the grace he gives you to handle them. The Bible says, " God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out." 1 Corinthians 10:13 (TEV)
Every time you pass a test, God notices and makes palns to reward you in eternity. James says, "Blessed are those who endure when they are tested. When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that God ha promised to those who love him." James 1:12 (GWT)
...to be continued.
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SEEING LIFE FROM GOD'S VIEW
روحانياتFrom the book Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren Picture from elliothuemann.myadventures.org
