Pass the Test

“Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;” (Psalm 26:2)

Do we want to be tested by the Lord? Would that be a hard thing? Would we pass the test? Tests were not the most enjoyable things in school but they were necessary to see if we could go to the next level.

There were several people in the Bible who were “tested”. Most passed but some did so with some questioning. Peter, who had fished all night and caught nothing, was told by Jesus, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” (John 21:6). Peter did and was rewarded, he passed the test. Again, Peter, when he saw Jesus walking on the water, asked if he could do the same. Jesus replied, “tested him”, “Come.” (Matthew 14:29). Naaman was a mighty man of God but he had leprosy. Elisha told him to go dip yourself in the Jordan seven times and you will be healed. Naaman got mad at that crazy command but finally relented and did it. He passed the test. (2 Kings 5). Abraham was told to, “go to the land I will show you. (Genesis 12:1). Abraham went and the rest is history. Others were: “Go show yourselves to the priests.” (Luke 17:14), the kid who offered his fish and loaves to Jesus, (John 6:9), Ananias was told to, “Go to Straight Street” to meet Saul, (Acts 9:11), Peter told the lame man, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”(Acts 3:6), teenager David chose to go fight the giant Goliath, (1 Samuel 17). All did what was commanded and passed the test.

So, how do we do when we’re asked, commanded, to do something for God? It may seem crazy or dangerous but we’re being tested. “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” (Job 23:10). Let’s pass the test.