PERSEVERANCE WORKS EXPERIENCE

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope (Rom 5:1-4, KJV). " . . . and perseverance, proven character . . . " (NASB). " . . . perseverance, character . . . " (NIV). "And steadfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope" (ASV).

Devotion 12 of 24

THE CONCEPT OF TESTING

Our text is a delineation of testing--putting the saints of God to the test. This is God's way of proving the value of profession--putting it to the test. This is "trial," the manner of the kingdom.

The prophets revealed God as a Refiner; One who tests the purity of His people. "And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness" (Mal 3:3, KJV). It is God's manner to test His people. This is the process through which their faith is approved and validated.

I have often heard people ask "WHY" severe and trying times are experienced by believers. Diligence must be exercised to avoid the "Why me?" syndrome. Our text tells us why stressful times come. Our faith is being tried! Others may take our profession as sufficient to confirm our dependence upon the Lord. It is not so, however, with Him with Whom we have to do.

The remnants of sin remain in us, causing conflict in the good fight of faith. Speaking of this condition Paul wrote, "But I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members" (Rom 7:23). The extent of this corrupting influence easily escapes our attention. Were it not for trials, we would blunder through life, supposing we are stronger than we really are.

When we are put to the test, two things are discovered. First, unacceptable "chaff" is made more perceptible. Second, the strength of our faith is revealed. David well prayed, "Since I know, O my God, that Thou triest the heart and delightest in uprightness" (1 Chron 29:17). The Psalmist even asked God to put him to the test; "Examine me, O LORD, and try me; Test my mind and my heart" (Psa 26:2, NASB). He sensed this was the appointed way to proven character!

The Testing of Abraham

One of the great tests of Scripture is recorded in the twenty-second chapter of Genesis. It pertains to Abraham, who, concerning faith, is "the father of us all" (Rom 4:16). If a person wonders how extensive testing can be, it is good to ponder these words. "Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, 'Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." Then He said, "Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you'" (Gen 22:1-2).

Considering that Isaac was the promised child through whom the Messiah would come, this was an unparalleled test. How would Abraham react? What would be the outcome of the test? It is written, "By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, "In Isaac your seed shall be called, concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense" (Heb 11:17-19). Knowing God had promised to bless the world through Isaac, Abraham reasoned God was going to raise him from the dead. Technically, he was not correct--but he did reason like a man of faith. Thus, Abraham's faith was proved to be true. He stood the test. What about you?

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, I pray with David, "Examine me, O LORD, and try me; Test my mind and my heart."

-- Tomorrow: ISRAEL TESTED --