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Hi ~

This one has bothered me for a while.

People in the Bible went through “spiritual tests.” For example, Genesis 22 says that God “tested” Abraham when He told him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice.

Christians nowadays go through “spiritual tests” too, from what I can tell.

But here’s something I rarely hear mentioned.

We can get the misperception that a “spiritual test” is something God does to you to see if you can get the answer right.

It’s as if God is like your 9^th-grade algebra teacher watching you sweat your way through an algebra test, grimly anticipating that you’re probably going to fail.

Big red marks on the paper. Letter home to the parents.

Fear of punishment. Failed again.

But that’s not what the Bible means by “testing.”

The original writers meant something more along the lines of “refine.” Like, classically, what is done to silver.

When silver goes through the refining process, it goes through steps to rid it of contaminants and give it greater purity.

When God “tests” us, and we continue to hold on to Him through it, running toward Him instead of away from Him, even if we perhaps take a misstep or make a decision that we later wish had been different . . .

He’s not checking to see if we did it all flawlessly. He wants to help us have a more solid trust in Him. It’s part of the process of strengthening and refining our faith.

No algebra teachers around (and no offense against algebra teachers here—I actually used to be one!).

Just a loving Father who wants to help us grow our faith, wisdom, and maturity.

***

As you have come through your own refining “tests” with stronger faith in the Lord, you may come to a place where you know you have wisdom to share with others.

That’s when you may want help writing your book, to bless others.

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With you for wanting to “pass the tests” with stronger, deeper faith,

Rebecca

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