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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus very matter-of-factly refers to a time of testing many have difficulty dealing with. (Luke 8:13) What is he talking about? How do times of testing come to us and what should we learn from them? More to the point, does God specifically test us as individuals and if so, for what purpose?
Tests may present themselves in a number of ways – as trials, persecution and temptation; sometimes imposed on us by others, often self-inflicted. There are times however, when scripture records God testing individuals with a particular goal in mind (such as Genesis 22:1); at other times characterized as a covenant offer – ‘If I do this for you, you must be willing to do that for me.’; with a waiting-period to verify our response. (Exodus 15:25,26) Sometimes it is illustrated in a display of power and supernatural ability – backing up his words with a show of force that demands a response. (Exodus 20:20) Periodically, the test is presented as a difficulty that disrupts our plans and upsets our expectations, at other times purposefully introduced into our lives to gauge our faithfulness (Deuteronomy 8:24 & 13:13); the ultimate goal being to develop and deepen it further. (Judges 2:33& 3:1) Often, to our shame and sorrow, we never turn to him more than when we are disappointed, confused or frightened by life’s inconsistencies. Or as Ernest Gordon, the British Army officer whose character was featured in the WWII classic, “To End All Wars” admitted, “Faith thrives when there is no hope but God.”
Some of these tests, however, serve to reinforce the fact of God’s faithfulness to us. (James 2:21, Hebrews 11:17-19, Genesis 22:1-10 – expressed in Malachi 3:10 as, “Test me in this, and see…”; referring primarily to the blessings of tithing but applicable to other areas as well.) Or to reveal the intent of our hearts for the purpose of allocating reward (Psalm 66:10 & 1 Corinthians 3:12-14) and punishment – sometimes used as instructive discipline. (Deuteronomy 4:30, Hebrews 12:5-11)
There are even times when scripture depicts God as withdrawing his presence from a person’s life for a brief time period, testing their spiritual mettle, convincing them of the veracity of his word even when they are unsure of his presence; forcing us to step out in faith, deepening our dependence on him – reinforcing our resolve to stay faithful during the good and bad times. (2 Chronicles 32:31) Perhaps the most insidious tests coming as a result of well-meaning people who inadvertently set us up for a fall as, “…man is tested by the praise he receives.” Proverbs 27:21
What have you accomplished in your walk with the Lord? What are you capable of overcoming? More importantly, how have you responded to God’s offer of friendship and salvation? (Exodus 33:11; John 15:14-16) Faith and faithfulness are leaned traits, being developed over time; like athletes who gradually build on previous endeavors and success – faithfulness building on faith, creating a willingness and ability to branch out even further and becoming stronger after each successful step. (Matthew 4:1-11)
Paul seems to have made a career out of bumping up against difficulties that would try the patience and test the resolve of a dozen men. Through it all he learned to trust in Jesus and proclaim, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.”
“We do not want you to be uninformed,… about the hardships we suffered… We are under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we set our hope that he will continue to deliver us as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-11
Check back next week to see how different “tests” stretch and strengthen our faith.
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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