The God who tests us

(Audio: Spanish)

SUMMARY: The story of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, teaches us that God tests us to prepare and train us, to strengthen our faith, and to show us what is in our hearts. Just like silver and gold are tested in a crucible and furnace, God tests our hearts. Satan tempts us to fail, but God tests us to shine. We cannot be proven without being tested, and the bigger the test, the bigger the victory. The Lord allows us to go through trials to teach us humility, to make us more understanding of others, and to show us that we are not as strong as we think we are. He tests us to put down deep roots in Him, to prepare us for the real battle, and to make us strong Christians who are not easy to beat.

The Lord puts us through tests to strengthen our faith and prepare us for our calling. He uses small tests to see if we can be trusted with more, like money or responsibilities. The Lord also uses the desert as a training ground, where he tests us and teaches us to rely on him. The Lord is not cruel, but he wants us to be prepared for our destiny. We must not harden our hearts, but trust in the Lord and pass the tests he puts before us.

Abraham was tested by God with a small step of faith and a leap of faith, but he trusted God and was rewarded. Christians must also have faith that God is powerful and faithful, even in times of testing. Through trials, we can learn more about God and his character. Jesus is the ultimate example of being tested and proven faithful. The reward for enduring trials is the crown of life and a celebration in heaven. God knows our way and will help us come out like gold. The best is yet to come for those who trust in God.

Matthew 1:18 says this: “The birth of Jesus Christ was like this. When Mary, his mother, was betrothed to Joseph, before they were joined, it was found that she had conceived of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her husband, as he was fair and did not want to slander her, wanted to secretly leave her and thinking about this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to receive Mary, your wife, for what has been begotten in her of the Holy Spirit is and she will give birth to a child and will call his name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.”

Father, thank you, that you are wise, Lord, and you know how to do things. Thank you that your ways are sometimes not our ways nor are your thoughts like our thoughts but you know what you are doing. Thank you for the wise way that you organized your Son to be born in this world and thank you that you are the same yesterday, today and forever and that you also deal with us with wisdom and with a special plan for each one of us. I ask you to bless this time, that we listen to the voice of the good shepherd in the name of Jesus. Amen.