Why does God test us?

[Blien]

God tests us... but why? For what reason?

The Angels of the LORD like to ask questions to answers they already know. This is mostly so that WE consider and think about what we are doing.. For example Hagar who was running away from Sarah in the wilderness. The Angel asked her where she was coming from and where she was going to help her think rationally..

Now, I would like to ask.. why does God test us, if He already knows all the answers? Is it for our personal development? Or is there more? Jesus was tested, Moses was tested, the people of Israel were tested, King David, and so on..

Thoughts?

[ColleenLovesMischief]

No clue, but I feel like I have been through those tests many times.

[Blien]

When I think about the times I've been tested... I see it as a refining of my character. God weeding out bad things in my temperament. For example.. I had a big issue with pride three years ago. And the Lord HATES pride... I wanted to be closer to Him so he took it out.. Now I'm vigilant against it (being prideful). I'm not saying I'm perfect but God DID remove it from me. So these verses explain that...

Proverbs 17:3

The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,

But the LORD tests hearts.

1 Peter 1:6-7

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,

so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

And then.. there are other times where I don't get it.

[OneLight]

The tests we endure are to refine us. We have to know how to let go of our understanding and trust completely in Him.

[Blien]

No Jami, it makes perfect sense. I go through the same tests it seems 2 - 3 times until I finally get it sometimes. Or I will meet the same kind of person that turned me off or something.. it makes sense what you said.

[humbleseeker]

From the time that we know right from wrong, we are being tested. This world is a test, but not a tempt. There is good and there is bad, although any good we do is only by faith, and any bad we do is lack of. God test his faithful to make us stronger, and able to carry on to face greater challenges that lay down the road. In fact those test could be a form of Love. I know when I was in the Army during basic training we were put to many test, most of them were physically and mentally demanding, always thinking that the drill seargent was out to get us, but in fact they were out to save us from posibilities of war down the road. God loves us so he test us. Jesus was even put to the test before he faced the cross in the garden. He desired for another way if possible knowing what he was going to go through, yet he finished his prayer with "your will be done". When we go through test, we know God is with us and that all things will work together for good. Jesus knows how its like to be tested he will be by our sides.

[Deepblue]

The tests we endure are to refine us. We have to know how to let go of our understanding and trust completely in Him.

I agree. I am going through a series of difficult tests right now. But I know that in the future, I will look back and see that it happened for a reason. These tests are necessary for our development, spiritually, I do believe.

[georgedrw81]

It is to remind us that life is easier with Him.

Blessings

[south]

Psalm 119:71 (New International Version)

71 It was good for me to be afflicted

so that I might learn your decrees.

In my personal walk with the Lord, I can truthfully say that His words become more alive and real during the times when I go thru pain and suffering. Tests and trials can either bring us closer to God or make us turn away from Him. My faith has been strengthened and my character built during difficult, unpleasant moments.

Blessings...South

[Believer1997]

To gain muscle sinew and strength, one trains with weights which really cause resistance and one has to concentrate and work with the weights to get the desired muscle and strength. I think much the same is true with God - if we never had any 'resistance' in our life - if everything was easy, simple and required no discipline or concentration and prayer to overcome - how would we become stronger in Him? It is during the stressful times and the hard times that I've relied more on my faith in God than my own abilities to 'fix' problems - it has made me stronger and I've heard all my life ... "That which does not kill you, will make you stronger". It is true.