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Genesis 22:1
God tested Abraham. Why does God test us as Christians?
Exodus 20:20
Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."
To confirm our faith.
Deuteronomy 8:2
Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.
To humble us and show us what's in our hearts. What is in your heart is revealed during hard times? When you are tested will you pass the test or will you lack faith and have to be tested again?
2. Genesis 22:9-11
9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.
10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied.
God will not allow the test to go on for longer than necessary. Have you ever felt you've had enough of a certain problem? How does your attitude compare with Abraham's? What was his attitude?
3. Genesis 29:31
When the LORD saw that Leah was not loved, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.
What trials have you experienced lately? How does that compare to Rachel's trial? When tested, what should we do?
Genesis 30:22
Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and opened her womb.
Pray. God knows your problems. He will listen and answer.
4. Genesis 41:41
So Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt."
Joseph suffered 13 years before becoming second in command. How long do you experience hardship before you start complaining and doubting God? In every situation ask yourself, "What is God attempting to teach me through this?".
5. Job 1:13-19
13 One day when Job's sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house,
14 a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby,
15 and the Sabeans attacked and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
16 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
17 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, "Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house,
19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
Even upright and blameless men experience trials. What was job's response to all his suffering? Is that your response?
6. Proverbs 24:10
If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!
It is time to stay faithful and stand strong through trials.
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