The Purpose of Testing
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Every day of our lives, all of us face temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says that we are all in the same boat. So why does God allow you to be tested?
Number one, facing testing times will reveal your weaknesses. After defeating Goliath, David probably never thought he would end up having an adulterous affair that led to the murder of a good man. Peter likely never thought he would deny Jesus three times in one day. He even declared, “Though these others may, I never will.” He underestimated his sinful nature.
In both cases, however, these two men saw their weaknesses and cried out to God. In their brokenness, they grew closer to God than ever before.
Number two, testing times remind us to be watchful. Most people never plan to sin. But the enemy is cunning. It was while Samson slept that his hair got cut off. It was while the Philistine King Sizer slept that a woman drove a tent peg into his head and killed him. It was while the servants slept in Jesus’ parable that the enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat.
God doesn’t want us to be vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. He wants us to be vigilant, alert, and aware of what is happening around us. If you want to protect your family and integrity, you must be watchful. Jesus said, “Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation.” Be careful if you find yourself “bored” with the things of God that once set your soul on fire. One of the enemy’s greatest tactics is using distractions to make you forget about God.
The last reason God will allow testing in your life is to develop you. Sometimes, the only way God can get you to advance is through adversity. God is more interested in your comfort than your character. He needs you to learn to come to Him as your source at all times, both good and bad because until you learn that lesson, He cannot entrust you with greater things.
Your greatest trial may be allowed by God so that you can one day arrive at your greatest triumph.
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