Oh those tests….

Genesis 22:1-2 (NKJV) Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham… 

Don’t be thrown off by the use of the word “test”.

God is not like a school teacher who gives a test in order to discover what you know—God knows whether or not you know the answers. God doesn’t give test for his benefit; he gives them for other’s benefit.

First of all, the tests God gives you are for your good—they give you a look into the health of your own character.

Just like skating on a frozen pond, you first tentatively test the integrity of the ice by putting pressure on it before trusting the ice with your full weight.

In the same way, how we respond to the pressures of life gives us an ideal of the strength of our own integrity—not God’s.

Now let me take you on a quick side-journey by mentioning the place of Abraham’s test.

The “school desk” where Abraham took his test was located at a place called Mt. Moriah. This mountain peak became a very significant place for the descendants (both biologically and spiritually) of Abraham.

It was at Mt. Moriah that David offered sacrifices and stopped the judgment of God and later it was at that same spot that his son, Solomon, built the Temple of God (2 Chronicles 3:1). Centuries later, it was in sight of Mt. Moriah that Jesus was crucified for our sins.

In other words, because Abraham was willing to take the test, and even more importantly passed the test, generations of people were blessed—to this very day.  In other words, tests are not just for our benefit, they are for the benefit of the many others that observe our example and are inspired by it.

The ONE THING for today: You can moan and groan about the trials and tribulations of your life or you can consider them a test that gives you an opportunity to learn something while leaving a legacy of honor, inspiration, and example to those you love and care for.

Which will it be with the current test you’re going through?