Life on earth is a test

God continually tests people's character, faith, obedience, love, integrity and loyalty. Words like trials, testing, temptation and refining occur more than 200 times in the Bible. God tested Abraham by asking him to offer his son Isaac. God also tested Jacob when he had to work extra years to earn Rachel as his wife. Adam and Eve failed their test in the Garden of Eden and King David failed tests from God on various occasions. But the Bibl also gives us many examples of people who passed personal tests of their character such as Joseph, Ruth, Esther and Daniel. Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and all of life is a test. You are always being tested and God constantly watches your response to people, problems, success, conflict, disappointment, illness and even the weather! God even watches the simplest actions such as when you open a door for others or pick up rubbish in the street. You can't know for certain what tests God will give you but you can make predictions based on the Bible. You will be tested by major changes, delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism and even senseless tragedies. A very important test is how you act when you can't feel God's presence in your life so sometimes, God purposely draws back and we can't sense his closeness. Hezekiah experienced this test, "God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him to see what was really in his heart." 2 Chronicles 32:31. Hezekiah had 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 realise 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 an opportunity for growth to deepen your character, develop your love or to depend on God. Some tests will seem overwhelming to you whilst others will silently pass you by, but all of them have eternal implications. God wants you to pass the tests of life, so he never allows them to be greater than the grace he gives you to handle them, "God keeps his promise and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm so at the time you are put to the test he will give you the strength to endure it and to provide you with a way out." 1 Corinthians 10:13. Every time you pass a test, God notices and makes plans to reward you in eternity. The Bible says, "Blessed are those who endure when they are tested. When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12