Does God Test Us?
James 1:3 KJV says, "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." Other versions says, “testing.” Does this testing come from God? Does God test our faith? I know Bible gives examples of Abraham and Job, but I wonder how could God make me struggle and then tell me to turn to him in need. That seems like an abusive relationship.
This is a good question that many people deal with. Some believe that testing from God is a negative thing. Some people believe that God should not test us, because it can harm us, make us weak, and even cause us to fall into sin and eternal destruction.
However, when we look at what God does for us, it is quite contrary from leading us into sin and destruction. We all know that God is leads us in paths of righteousness and victory. Philippians 1:6 says, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” This is a promise from God that He will complete the work of salvation that He began through His Son Jesus Christ.
So the question, does God test us? James 1:2-3 says, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance (NASB).” James does not attribute the trial or test to be sent from God. He only states that when we encounter the challenges of life, embrace it with joy and gladness. Why? Because going through those difficult moments of life, while trusting in God, will only make you stronger!
So in this passage, God is not the one giving us tests, but rather, it is showing us that tests are a good way for us to strengthen our faith in God. In fact, it is the only way that our faith can grow, through testing, through the fire.
1 Peter 1:6-7 says, “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; (NASB)”
So then, what about when we go to heaven, and there are no more trials or temptations or life struggles? (Yay!!! Praise God!) How can our faith grow without trials, without the fire that purifies our faith? We all know that when we are in heaven, we will be in the very presence of God. And we will, for an eternity, learn from the Creator of all life. So yes, our faith will continue to grow in heaven, but it will grow without the trials and tribulations of this sinful world. Our faith will grow by the very presence and power of God Almighty, the source of life.
From the book Heaven by Ellen White, it says, “Eternity will provide endless opportunity for learning and growth- heaven is a school; its field of study, the universe; its teacher, the Infinite One. (146)”
Whatever test or trial you have in this life, give praise to God, for He will give you the victory!