Redemptive Tests

Deuteronomy 7-9; Mark 15 

“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

Deuteronomy 8:2, 3

Why does God allow testing in our lives?

He is revealing our hearts, exposing our motives, true beliefs, and areas of dependence. Israel’s rebellion complaining, grumbling, fear, and idolatry were all revealed through God’s testing in the desert. God disciplines us like a father disciplines his children. If we desire to be disciples we must choose God’s redemptive purposes in discipline. Out of discipline can come humility and full dependence on the Word of the Lord.

How are we viewing the tests we face in life today as related to family, finances, health, employment, or unexpected circumstances?

Can we see the hand of the Lord redeeming these tests as we humble ourselves and cry out to him?

“Lord Jesus, I live on every word that comes from your mouth. Guide me as my Shepherd, for your glory.”