He Tested Them
Series: The God Who Rescues
October 25, 2020
Frank Foreman
The wandering had begun for Israel and it didn't take long for the complaining to begin. What they didn't know--that we know now--is that difficulties along the way were not simply obstacles of annoyance ... they were opportunities God would use to test and try the faith of His people. With each subsequent providential supply (water, food, battle assistance) God would teach His people to trust Him for what they needed. He does the same for us today.
Episode Notes
Pause to Consider: Why didn’t God take care of these basic needs before things became desperate?
Psalm 26:2, Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind.
BIG IDEA:
Testing is a blessing... God is shaping us to be whom He desires.
Pause to Consider: Why do we expect to grow spiritually without discomfort?
1. Testing develops perseverance in our walk.
James 1:2-4, 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.
2. Testing displays faith to the world.
Hebrews 11:17-19, By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.
3. Testing declares glory to God.
Job 1:20-22, Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.
Psalm 139:23-24, Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
NEXT STEP:
Welcome and trust God’s evaluation... Invite Him to do whatever necessary to bring change.
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