• Deuteronomy 8:2-5
    And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD. Your garments did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years. You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the LORD your God chastens you.
     
  • Genesis 22:1-2
    Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!”And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”
     
  • James 1:2-8
    My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
     


Related Scriptures

  • 1 Peter 4:12-19
    Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now
    "If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
    Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?" Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
     
  • Ecclesiastes 3:1
    To everything there is a season,
    A time for every purpose under heaven:

     
  • Romans 5:3-4
    And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
     
  • 1 Corinthians 11:19
    For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.
     

For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for God's Testing


Resources

Tested: Our Trust in God's Promises

Sermonette by Austin Del Castillo

There is an apparent contradiction between God's promises to protect and heal, and the persecution, health crises, and death that we all experience.


Abraham's One God

Article by Mike Ford

God tests His servants to ensure that He holds the foremost place in their hearts. In the account of Abraham and Isaac, it came to pass that God tested Abraham, calling to him, 'Abraham!' and Abraham responded with readiness, 'Here I am.' God commanded him to take his only son Isaac, whom he loved, to the land of Moriah and …


God's Tools

Sermonette by Clyde Finklea

Spiritual maturity does not come about without difficulty, and suffering is one of God's tools to perfect us. Suffering refines endurance and character.


How Much Does God Love You?

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

God's testing of His people is a profound demonstration of His love, designed to refine and prove their loyalty. He purposefully places challenges before us, as seen with the Israelites in the wilderness, where He made them go hungry to test whether they would remain loyal to Him. These trials reveal if we truly trust in His …


God's Good Work in Us

Sermon by John O. Reid

God's testing is a purposeful and loving process to perfect those He has called. He does not spare us from trials, but rather uses them to shape and develop us for positions in His Kingdom. As a responsible Father, He will accomplish His purpose in us, ensuring that the good work He has begun will be completed. He will not fail, …


The Continuous Testing of Our Faith

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The constant tests to which God submits His people enable them to build character by responding in faith. God perfected Abraham's faith through difficult trials.


The Providence of God (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

A spiritual Israelite undergoes a metamorphosis in which his own self-centered will is broken so that God's creative work can be completed within him.


Testing Spiritual Character

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

An outward trial can be a catalyst for character development. By testing ourselves, we can take the edge off the pressure of God testing us.



For more resources, please see the library topic for God's Testing