Tests

Just about everyone six or seven years old and up has taken a test. What is the purpose of a test in the academic setting? At its best, a test is a tool to assess the ability of the test taker to use knowledge specifically covered in lessons in an accurate and meaningful way.

Not all tests given in schools are great assessment tools; not all tests truly tap into the heart of the knowledge imbedded within students; yet almost all tests have certain things in common—they require some sort of preparation; they draw upon the reserves of the individuals undergoing the test; and they are not fun.

The book of James speaks of the testing of our faith: “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (James 1:2-3; emphasis added). James is pointing out here that one way the testing of your faith occurs is through trials. The apostle Paul writes of tribulations (which are certainly trials): “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance” (Romans 5:3). Both James and Paul observe that trials which test your faith produce endurance and perseverance.

What is being tested when you as a Christian undergo a trial? Mainly, your faith—your confident connection to God through Jesus Christ. But how do you attain faith?

Faith is the gift of God—it’s not self-manufactured—and it comes as you recognize the biblical truth that you have need for connection with One greater than yourself. Saving faith comes to you when this recognition of need leads you to the truth about Jesus, the One who died for you. It is then—when you link your life to Jesus by the faith arising within you—that you enter into full relationship with God based the substitutionary death of Jesus for you. Note: saving faith immerses you in the righteousness of Jesus, who took your sin on the cross, thereby creating an exchange—your sin for His righteousness. Saving faith can never be granted due to your own personal goodness.

Therefore tests, trials, and tribulations are geared toward one end—your faith in God through Jesus Christ. Who is the author of these tests? Good question; this very question is at the heart of how confidently you approach the test.

When I taught, I devised tests. I spent time thinking about the lessons I taught and how I wanted to assess the mastery of those concepts. In a controlled atmosphere and specific time frame, I gave those tests. They had a beginning, a middle, and an end. More times than I can count, I heard the triumphant word “DONE!” escape the lips of my students—both boys and girls—in every subject and each grade I was privileged to teach, from second to ninth.

But here’s the next question. If I tested a concept, is it safe to say that, as a result, my students would never need to use the tested understanding again? They passed, didn’t they?

Here’s the truth behind controlled testing. At its best and most practical, testing equips students for the real world. Math lessons and tests should prepare you for real-world encounters with everything numeric. English and language arts lessons and tests should prepare you for real-world encounters with everything in the realm of communication—reading, speaking, listening, and writing. The same is true for science and history. Those lessons and tests should train you in scientific thought based on facts, inquiry, and observation and should give you historical perspective from which to draw independent conclusions about human interactions, behaviors, choices, and outcomes.

I’m not referring to the current academic practice of indoctrinating young minds with worldviews designed to lead them to shun biblical faith and traditional values. I am speaking in reference to the true goal of solid education—the equipping of young people with the tools and skills necessary to interact with their world and make wise and well-developed, thoughtful choices based on critical thinking, honest questioning, and self-directed research.

You learn and are tested because of the real world which you face every day. That world is not always nice and neat; that world doesn’t always abide by the Golden Rule; that world doesn’t always think that you are wonderful and deserve a medal.

So…does God test us? Yes. Are all tests from God? No. Then, how will you know the difference? You may not be able to discern at first, but keep this thought in mind—God is a good God, and the devil is a bad devil. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). If you encounter a test that falls into the category of stealing, killing, or destroying, then you are safe in assuming that the test is not from God. But fear not—He’s already equipped you to face any trial that comes your way. Remember, the goal of good instruction supported by wisely-developed tests is to prepare you for victory over whatever comes your way via the real world or the devil himself.

When trials do come your way, use the clear lessons you’ve learned in the Word, pray for wisdom, and know that the Teacher is within you. He’ll walk you through every part of the test and teach you as you move through its sections. Understand that what you’re facing, He has already faced—and conquered.

God tests us by His Word to do His Word. He does so to equip us to respond according to His Word when tests come from a different source—a decidedly sinister source.

Be confident in the One with whom you are connected. He has gone before you, He has conquered death, hell, and the grave on your behalf, and He will never fail you or forsake you.

When the tests come, the Teacher is on duty inside of you. Lean with confidence upon Him and you will pass the test.

Dorothy

You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1 John 5:4