They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the Lord’s commands, which he had given their ancestors through Moses. Judges 3:4

Everyone goes through times of struggles, times where it appears as if everyone and everything is against them. It can be painful and confusing as one does not always understand why things are the way they are.

Very few can see the larger picture of what is going on, just as children do not always understand the reason for a test in the classroom. Struggles are often times of testing to see how one will react.

God left several nations among the Israelites to test them, to see if they will obey the commands He had given them through Moses.

Testing someone is always done for the purpose to find out what the person knows or how one will do react to something. Most people get anxious when they know they are going to be tested. They fear that they did not study enough or the right things to be ready for the test. If they did not know the test was coming, it causes anxiety in not knowing if they are ready for it or not.

Without being tested, one can never know if he has learned anything or not, or grown or not.

Believers can know that they will be tested by God. In this they can trust that God knows what He is doing, so they can prepare to be ready to obey His commands in every situation, good or bad.

No matter what the situation is God has already given instruction on how to react to it. People have a choice to react in the ways of the world, or to react according to God’s commands, obeying him.

God will allow people or situations in your life to test you, to find out if you have learned to obey Him or not. Do not see times of trials and testing just as something horrible and worthless, but a time of growing and learning.

Going through the difficult time will reveal to you if you are trusting and obeying God or not. It will reveal areas you may need to grow in and other areas you are mature in.

In order to pass a test, you must go through the test. Keep your focus upon God and obeying His word and you will pass the test.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will know God’s peace and direction in times of testing; that you will obey God in every situation in your life; that you will know what God desires of you; and that you will pass every test God sends your way.