Testing, Testing

Whether it’s a microphone check, exams, end of year tests, for medical purposes, or daily occurrences, testing is part of our everyday lives.  For students, this time of year seems to be consumed with tests as they recall and demonstrate how to apply what they have learned.  Some tests cover a lesser amount of material while other exams cover content for the semester.  Whereas most tests are announced, there can be surprise pop quizzes along the way.

When Larry was in seminary, one of his professors had a student pray at the beginning of each class session.  But on test day, the professor chose to be the one to pray.  He would always include, “Help them do as well as they prepared.”  The students would have much rather he asked for grace rather than holding them accountable for their study and preparation.

God’s Word reminds us that God examines and tests our heart, motives, and actions.  He desires that we do the same.  We are to also test and approve God’s Will for our lives and the gift of His abundant, overflowing blessings.  Paul instructs us to test all prophesies and spirits to make sure they are from God.  We are to hold on to the good and reject the evil.  When our faith is tested, it will produce perseverance.  And when perseverance finishes its work we will be mature and complete. 

Now it’s time to pray, study, and prepare so we are ready to take action when the tests in life come our way.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

Psalm 139:23

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.

Proverbs 17:3

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

Malachi 3:10

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.

Galatians 6:4-5

Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.

I Thessalonians 5:20-22

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12