Is God in the testing business? I don't like to think about it, but I was confronted with this question today in Exodus 15.
After the parting of the Red Sea and Miriam's praise dance, God takes His people into the wilderness three days without water and then when finally find water it's undrinkable.
Now God's people grumble, complain and distrust their "Delivering God." What does God do in response? He turns the bitter water sweet. Then after that He takes them to an Oasis with twelve springs and seventy palm trees. Why didn't He take them there first? Why all the drama?
The answer is found in Exodus 15:25 ...He tested them.
A testing God? Yes.
When I was a young Christian I remember the preacher giving a sermon on God's testing. I didn't want to be tested. I prayed, "Jesus! Okay, in all due respect, but if you're going to test me then could you please make it a written test?"
As the years passed,I've experienced real testing from God and in each one I find something valuable. It's not easy being but Spiritual testing brings out the honest truth.
When pushed in a corner do I try to fight my way out or trust Him?
Do I listen to His instructions or go my own way?
Do I do what is right in His eyes?
How often do I forget what He's done for me in the past?
How often is my voice lifted up in grumbling and complaining?
Only in the testing do I see clearly those "blind spots." What mother doesn't test the security of her child's car seat? The testing is an act of love.
My prayer lifted up today is: "Test me, O Lord. Show me the error of my ways so I may walk intimately in Your sight without uninterrupted fellowship. I am made complete in You. Thank You, Lord Jesus, thank you. Amen."
