God tests us–and He does it for a purpose

God tests us–and He does it for a purpose--and He tells us what some of those purposes are

"For you, O God, have tested us;" Psalm 66:10 ESV

         And then by "parallel structure" explains what that means. "Parallel structure" is a major characteristic of Hebrew poetry in which a truth is restated and in the process the second part helps to explain the first. In this case "you have tried us as silver is tried" enlarges and explains what kind of testing God does. God’s "testing" was to burn out the dross the way silver is "tried" or "tested" by melting it in a fervent heat.

          And what kind of "testing" did God send? Many kinds–
1) You brought us into the net [you did it, God!]
2) You laid a crushing burden on our backs; [you did it, God!]
3) You let men ride over our heads;
4) we went through fire and through water. 66:11-12

           Have you had difficulties that could be characterized by any of those? How do you deal with it? Keep in mind the purpose and the end result–look to the future for what God is accomplishing and producing in your life. Here it is: "yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance."

         The end result. The arrival at your destination. The accomplishment of God’s purposes–some known, some hidden. Your usefulness to God and your ministry to other people is being developed and enhanced. Your "patient endurance" is being developed. That’s why the New Testament tells us to "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4 ESV

      The Psalmist goes on to tell us what he did while he was being tested: he went into the presence of God and he reminded himself of how God ministered to his soul and spirit and sustained him in the midst of the painful trial. "I cried to Him with my mouth, and high praise was on my tongue." 66:17
He knew he would eventually be "brought out to a place of abundance"–probably in this life, but certainly in that which is to come–so keep focused on that which is above and the glory that awaits when the journey is ended.

       "Blessed be God, because He has not rejected my prayer or removed His steadfast love from me!" Quite the contrary–He is ever faithful. God is our refuge and strength–and underneath are the everlasting arms. Always.