Tests Are Good

“Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones! For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord, a God greatly to be feared  in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him? O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O Lord, with your faithfulness all around you? You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.” - Psalms 89:5-9

People suffer for many reasons. People suffer when effected by others’ sins; or when pain makes us aware that we are being damaged. There is a bigger question however: why did God plan for us to suffer, specifically his elect? Why did God work the suffering of his redeemed people into his plan? Did not Jesus already pay the price, why must we? 

Tests are one of the most common reasons a believer suffers. The word “test” is a very vague term. Does a test in the Bible have any similarities to a test taken here on earth? What is the purpose of a test taken in school? It is to reveal what level of knowledge a particular person has when it comes to a specific subject and it also reveals what they have left to learn in order to become scholarly in a certain field. Does not a test do the same for the believer in Christ? A test planned by God, put into the life of a believer, exists for several different reasons. A test is to show the believer where they stand in their spiritual walk and where they need to grow. For a test does not only reveal strengths, but weaknesses. 

There is another reason as well. In the book of Job, God shows his disciple off to Satan by allowing him to suffer great trials. This event brought much glory to God in the spiritual realm. There is also a spiritual realm where things are happening that we cannot yet see and these could well have an effect on why we are tested. There are many reasons a Christian is tested, but I have not yet revealed what I believe to be the most important.

God uses his chosen people to spread the gospel throughout the world, is this not a gift to the Christian life? Indeed it is. What does the spreading of the gospel include? It includes the testing of Christians. When a Christian is tested by suffering of the flesh, they are tested primarily that others may see the perseverance of the believer through the test. Did not the disciples die for their faith so that today we can use their witness to back up our faith in apologetics? Are not people amazed by stories of Christian martyrs who endured the trials God put in their way? Are not such stories a testament to the power and practicality of the Christian faith? 

We are tested primarily for a missional purpose - the purpose of spreading the gospel. This is why we are to rejoice when being tested, for it is a unique opportunity to spread the word of God in a powerful way. My brothers and sisters, stay strong during trials, for it is not a time of sorrow, but a time of joy. Pray that others may see the glory of God through your strength during trials. I love you friends, and I want you to understand that testing is a blessing. 

Pursue righteousness in all that you do and be a God-fearing believer. Remain in Christ.