Posted on 06/10/2012 6:53:43 AM PDT by Bigtigermike
Strange Tests
Sometimes God's commands make no apparent sense at all; when that is the case, it is because He does not want them to make sense to us. God does not do anything without a reason, and He can always be trusted absolutely to be devising good. Sometimes He just wants us to show that we understand that, so He gives us strange tests.
Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is rewarder of those who seek him. (HEB 11:6)
To Abraham the test was God's command to sacrifice his "only son," the son through whom God had promised to make of him a great nation (GEN 22:1-2).
To the widow of Zarephath, who told Elijah she was about to cook her very last handful of flour and her last drops of oil and then lay down and die, the command was to first prepare bread for the prophet (1KI 17:13).
To the widow whose creditors were about to take her children, the command was to borrow jars from her neighbors (2KI 4:3).
To Namaan the leper, the command was to wash seven times in the Jordan River (2KI 5:10).
To the blind man, who had no doubt heard that Jesus could heal with a touch, the command was to go and wash in the pool of Siloam (JOH 9:7, JOH 9:11).
To Peter, who was being hassled about whether his Teacher paid the temple tax, the command was to go fishing (MAT 17:27). What would have happened if these commands had been disobeyed?
Nothing would have happened. If there had been no obedience, there would have been no miracles. If we really believe the Word of God, we are going to do something about it, no matter how contrary to reason its commands may seem.
Thank you for this...
I am in the middle of testing where things are not making sense. I am praying and taking one step at a time.
This reinforced my strength.
Thank you Mike for this.
Like Veronica, I too am in the middle of testing where things do not make sense. My wife and I just finished a great “discussion” about our situation a few minutes ago. I am out of a job and am having to wait until between June 18 and July 6 to hear about a job that I really feel God has led me to. It has been 10 weeks already and am having to continue to wait and pray - I hope faithfully and obediently. Please pray that God will bring glory to Himself with this miracle. Glad to know that I am not alone. Thanks.
I pretty much a lurker, but I’d like to contribute my favorite example. Jehoshaphat was facing a big army and asked God what to do. Answer: march outside, go stand on the hill, and watch. As a military plan, leaving the walls of the city doesn’t seem to be the smartest idea when facing an army, but that was the instruction. He had a choice to believe, and he did. Result: God delivered a boat load of blessing right to his doorstep. He didn’t have to go attack a distant nation and haul the loot home, it was delivered for him. It is clear he didn’t perk up with excitement the day he got the news about the enemies, but I think all along God had in mind to bless him beyond his dreams. It’s so hard to remember that when the circumstances appear dire, but Rom 8:28 says the same is true for those of us who love Him.
Thank you for this insightful post. You are so right. It is the Strange Tests, the very acts of Faith that make no sense to the believer, that are the fountainhead of blessings from Christ. Thank you, I am indicted by the Holy Spirit and I am called to act. Your post has given me clarity and strength.
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