“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.’ So Moses and Aaron said to all the people of Israel, ‘At evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord’…
“I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’” Exodus 16:4-7a,12
“I will refine them as one refines silver,
and test them as gold is tested.
They will call upon my name,
and I will answer them.
I will say, ‘They are my people’;
and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’” Zechariah 13:9
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2
The Lord often tested His people, and not all the Israelites proved themselves worthy students. Even with the satiation from His miraculous provision of manna, some kept to their impulses and stubbornness over His clear instructions, betraying their rebel spirits. God always designed these challenges to showcase His patience, mercy, and kindness. (Exodus 16:16-30)
All of God’s tests are intended to teach us the disciplines of obedience and holy living. He tests us for the cultivating of our faith, our edification and upbuilding. He tests us so we learn to rely on His strength, and look beyond to higher purposes. He tests us in order to reward us, and ignite passion to do what He says. He wants us to experience His enabling and pass, and then delight in praising Him. (Job 1:20-22; 2:10; Malachi 3:10)
As we grow in faith, we learn the rhythm of daily surrender, and so continually test and approve His will through mind renewal and godly pursual. What holds us back from tackling tests of faith? How can we test His power by a specific obedience? Where is He testing our resilience in hard circumstances or a difficult relationship? Where is He testing our resolve to rise above gossip, cattiness, and constant crabbing? Will we pass His tests to endure and stay the course, even when buffeted by discouragement and distractions?
Lord, make me bold and faithful in every test of obedience so I can discern and do Your will and magnify Your glory.
As the rain and snow 