The Stealth Test

When trials or struggles happen in the life of a Christian, we recall to mind how God uses our circumstances to test us.  We see this in the Old Testament when the children of Israel did not completely drive out their enemies from the land.  Because they were not faithful to obey God in this matter, God chose to allow enemies to remain.  He said in Judges 2:21-22, "I also will no longer drive out before them any of the nations which Joshua left when he died, ²² so that through them I may test Israel, whether they will keep the ways of the LORD, to walk in them as their fathers kept them, or not."  God uses opposition, pain, and enemies to put us to the test, to see if we will trust and obey God or not.

Tests are not limited to hard times, however.  Other portions of the Bible make it clear tests from God can occur when all seems to be going smoothly.  One such example is seen in the life of King Hezekiah of Judah.  God had wrought His wonders in the land by destroying the Assyrian arm, healed him from a deadly disease, and extended his life 15 years.  Emissaries came with letters from the king of Babylon and a present for King Hezekiah.  They came to inquire about the wonder done in the land, for no one had withstood the Assyrian onslaught.  Hezekiah was quick to spread threatening letters before the LORD in fervent prayer, but when he received a friendly letter from the King of Babylon no divine guidance was sought.  King Hezekiah was pleased with the audience of ambassadors and proceeded to show them all the treasures of his kingdom without concern.

The men sent to congratulate King Hezekiah with a gift were a test from God, even as bloodthirsty enemies who sought to destroy Israel in Joshua's day.  Hezekiah passed the humility test when he was helpless, but when faced with the stealth test of fame and recognition he failed.  2 Chronicles 32:31 contrasted Hezekiah's dealings with the ambassadors of Babylon with all notable good accomplished during his reign:  "However, regarding the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, whom they sent to him to inquire about the wonder that was done in the land, God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart."  Both in times of hardship and plenty God tests the hearts of men, and pride renders us senseless to recognise these tests.  It is only through a posture of humility and reliance upon God in faith where we find grace to walk in the way which pleases God.

What test are you more apt to pass:  a test comprised of hardship or flattery, one of warfare or ease?  Only through faith in Jesus Christ can we endure and stand strong in the LORD and the power of His might.