Testing Precedes Promise

The theme of “testing” is found all throughout Scripture. Here’s just one example of a verse about the necessity of testing:

1 Peter 1:7 (ESV)

so that the 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

And there are SO many more. David even asks God to test him:

Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)

23Search me, God, and know my heart;

𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐞 and know my anxious thoughts.

24See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.

But there’s something encouraging to notice through the stories of testing in the Bible—testing always precedes something good.

Blessing.

Assignment.

The fulfillment of promises.

This is what Moses said to the Israelites just before they began to advance into the promised land:

Deuteronomy 8:2 (ESV)

And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.

If you feel like you’ve found yourself in a season of testing, rest assured of this:

testing precedes promise.