The NIV 365 Day Devotional

Pop Quiz

”This is a test.”

Whether this phrase reminds you of the once-familiar announcement for the American Emergency Broadcast System or conjures up memories of a middle-school teacher announcing a pop quiz, those four little words can raise the blood pressure and increase the anxiety level of even the coolest and most collected of men.

Tests play an important role in the Old Testament, especially the Psalms. Quite often the psalmists are responding to God in song as they reflect on the ways their resolve has been tested. Tests provide a means to prove the character and faith of God’s people. Even though tests are often painful and unwelcome, they include a spiritual component, confirming both our faith and God’s goodness. David came to realize this. When he was tested, he learned to depend on God’s unfailing love.

When we face tests—physical, financial, emotional, or vocational—God wants to see whether we will trust him. These difficult experiences reveal our true values, our commitments and our beliefs.

While tests aren’t necessarily pleasant, they can teach us significant lessons about ourselves. Our times of testing stretch our spiritual muscles, strengthen our faith and forge our character. God’s tests develop us into men of strong spiritual resolve. Take away the tests, and we risk becoming spiritual weaklings.

Think back to a time when you were tested. How many such tests have become cherished memories of lessons learned and of the rewards of perseverance? Of ten our testing situations become stories we fondly tell our children to help them understand where we’ve been and to give them perspective on their own lives: an especially tough teacher who challenged your resolve to work harder; a difficult job that forced you to grit your teeth and grow professionally; a conflict with a family member that eventually drew you closer to one another; a difficult break-up that led you to the love of your life.

As you consider where testing has taken you, consider as well where your current areas of testing are likely to lead. Today’s struggles could pave the way for tomorrow’s growth.

Taken from the NIV Men’s Devotional Bible.