Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- August 29, 2011
“When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.” John 6:5-6
More specifically, the Christian life is a series of divine tests. These are moments along our path of faith that our Heavenly Father wants to reveal to us what’s really in our heart. This raw revelation can be rewarding or it can be a reality check of regression. Either way His tests are meant to motivate us forward in a step of growth in grace and love.
“The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 13:3b).
Moreover, your Master Jesus already knows your heart—He just wants you to know—so you will deeply desire to know Him. Yes, the Lord may puzzle His people at times, but only so they can experience Him through His generous provision and pervasive power. Your divine test is an opportunity to rest in Christ and allow Him to forge your faith. As a red-hot furnace burns away impurities and brings forth its essence, so tests do for us.
“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart” (Proverbs 17:3).
What tests do you face? A test of patience—wait well on the Lord and others. A test of financial security—trust that you have all you need now and for the future in Christ. A test in giving to those in need—take the first step and watch Jesus multiply your gift beyond its capacity. A test in obedience—act immediately with joyful service. A test of physical and emotional health—find solace and strength in your Creator’s care and love.
You will excel in your divine tests by trust in God and service to those in greater need. Tests are relative based on your life circumstance—there are always others whose pain is deeper, whose suffering is more severe and whose trials seem insurmountable. Thus, see your divine test as an opportunity to trust the Lord to provide for you and for those He is calling you to love. You pass His tests, so you can pass on His hope to others being tested.
“Do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness” (Hebrews 3:8).
What is the Lord teaching me in my time of testing; that I can pass on to help others?
Related Readings: 1 Chronicles 29:17; Psalm 26:2; 139:23; Acts 15:18; 1 Thessalonians 2:4
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Multiply instead of multiple in “watch Jesus…”
Boyd – very timely. Thank you, friend. Just a quick note – you meant “let Jesus multiply” – it came out “let Jesus multiple”. I will not be offended if you delete this post after it’s corrected. Hope you’re well. AP