The Purpose of Testing

Many times when bad things happen to us we begin to complain and gripe. We seem to think that God owes it to us to give us a good time all the time yet this is contrary to what Scripture says will happen to us! I came across this quote from John MacArthur and I believe that we need to remember that God uses all things in our life for a reason. The most important reason is to glorify God through our difficulties. May we ever be ready to submit to God’s will in every area of our life!

1 Peter 1:6-7

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ…”

What is God’s Purpose as He tests us? First, to test the strength of our faith that we might know where our strength is, or isn’t. Secondly, to humble us, lest we think more confidently of our spiritual strength than we should. Thirdly, to wean us away from worldly things. Fourthly, to call us to a heavenly hope so that we live in the above and not in the below. Fifthly, to reveal what we really love. Sixthly, to teach us to value the blessing of God and to appreciate it as it comes to us out of the times of suffering. Seventh, to enable us to help others in their trial, to bear one another’s burdens. And eighth, to develop enduring strength for greater usefulness so that God can thrust us into greater places of ministry and effectiveness.

by John MacArthur

A Prayer Tip

“The less we read the Word of God, the less we desire to read it, and the less we pray, the less we desire to pray.”

“It is a common temptation of Satan to make us give up the reading of the Word and prayer when our enjoyment is gone; as if it were of no use to read the Scriptures when we do not enjoy them, and as if it were no use to pray when we have no spirit of prayer.”

by George Mueller

A Quote from Spurgeon

“Whenever you get one inch above the ground in your own esteem, you are that inch too high!”

Quotes: George Mueller

“There was a day when I died;
died to self, my opinions, preferences, tastes and will;
died to the world, its approval or censure;
died to the approval or blame even of my brethren or friends;
and since then I have studied only
to show myself approved unto God.”
(George Mueller)