Why Does God Test Us?

From a biblical perspective, we understand that God’s tests are not for His benefit—He is omniscient and already knows all things, including how we will respond. Instead, God tests us for our good, for the strengthening of our faith, and for His glory.

As Deuteronomy 8:2 says, “And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep His commandments, or no.” While God already knows what is in our hearts, these tests reveal to us what is there and refine us to become more like Christ.

GOD’S TESTINGS SERVES SEVERAL PURPOSES

• To Strengthen Our Faith: James 1:2-4 reminds us, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” When God tests us, He is refining and strengthening our faith. Much like gold is purified by fire, our faith is made stronger when we endure trials with trust in Him. This process builds endurance and shapes us into the people God has called us to be.
• To Teach Us to Depend on Him: In testing, God often brings us to the end of ourselves so that we learn to rely on Him alone. Consider the example of Abraham when God commanded him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice (Genesis 22). God already knew Abraham’s faith, but the test allowed Abraham to demonstrate his trust in God, not only to himself but also as an example to Isaac, to others, and to us. Abraham’s obedience glorified God and showed that his faith was firmly rooted in God’s promises.
• To Reveal What is in Our Hearts: Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Sometimes we are unaware of the sin, doubt, or idols lurking in our hearts until God tests us. His tests expose these things so that we can repent and grow. The psalmist prayed in Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” God’s testing is an act of love, guiding us to deeper sanctification.
• To Bring Him Glory: Ultimately, everything God does is for His glory. When we trust Him through trials and tests, we display His greatness to the world. Job is a powerful example. When Satan tested Job, God allowed it, knowing Job’s faith would endure. Job’s response—“Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15)—brought glory to God and demonstrated that God is worthy of worship regardless of our circumstances.
• To Prepare Us for Greater Things: God’s tests also prepare us for the work He has for us in the future. His tests develop us for greater use for Him. Before Joseph became a ruler in Egypt, he endured years of testing through slavery and imprisonment. These trials prepared him to trust God’s timing and wisdom, equipping him to save many during the famine (Genesis 50:20). God often uses tests to shape us for the purposes He has ordained.

GOD’S TESTS ARE AN EXPRESSION OF HIS LOVE: OUR RESPONSE TO TESTING IS VERY IMPORTANT

Hebrews 12:6-7 are very important verses to consider regarding this subject. Hebrews 12:6-7 says, “For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” God’s tests are not punishments; they are expressions of His loving discipline or His loving training of us. As His children, we are to trust Him and grow in holiness through the testing and trials.

Our Response to God’s Tests

When faced with trials, we can trust in the promise of Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” No test is wasted in God’s plan. We can face trials with faith, knowing that God is using them to accomplish His good purposes in us.

Beloved, take heart in the testing of the Lord. He is working all things for your good and His glory. He is proving your faith, strengthening your dependence on Him, and preparing you for eternity. Trust Him, for His ways are perfect, His love is steadfast, and His purposes are always good.