Dad's comments on the value of being tested by God

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MyrtleTrees

Junior Member
Sep 5, 2014
804
317
63
#1
Dad's writing: A Second Look at God as El Shaddai

Seeing God as El Shaddai, God Almighty, and knowing that He trains His people using tribulation, one may form an inaccurate picture of Him. His training is good. His children learn to endure hardship, which is sure to come, but El Shaddai is much more than a hard Trainer.
Abraham discovered that God’s power made Him able to do great things for him. He obeyed Him when God told him to offer his son to Him. He believed that God would restore his son even if it was necessary to raise him from the dead. Counting upon God to protect him, He willingly left the safety of his family when God directed him to go from them. He could have trusted God more than he did; he need not have lied to strangers saying that Sarah was his sister rather than his wife. God would have kept them from killing him so that they could take his beautiful wife for themselves. Abraham could have been completely carefree, knowing that El Shaddai was easily powerful enough to care for him. God is still El Shaddai. We can believe God just as Abraham did.
Since El Shaddai is the God of power, He can do great things. He can keep His promises and protect against great evils. He is worthy of the confidence of His people; they can safely put their trust in Him. The eleventh chapter of the Book of Hebrews is essentially a list of the names of God’s people who trusted Him to provide, to deliver, to save.

My comments: Yes, the testing that God gives us is good and beneficial, to those of us who sincerely and diligently serve Him in this life! Testings aren't pleasant, but it's good to know that they have a good purpose. Here are some verses I can find on the subject in the Bible:
John 15:2

2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
KJV

Phil 3:10

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
KJV

Rom 8:18

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
KJV

Gal 2:20

20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
KJV

1 Cor 15:31

31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
KJV
 

Relic

Active member
Apr 29, 2020
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#2
James 1:13 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one
 

MyrtleTrees

Junior Member
Sep 5, 2014
804
317
63
#3
James 1:13 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one
He doesn't give us hardships and trials, with intent to get us to sin. Tempting is with intent to draw into sinning. Only the devil and oneself can tempt in that way.

God only allows us to go through hardships to test us, and to help us grow in our relationships with Him.

  • 1 Peter 4:12-13
    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.
  • Hebrews 12:5-8
    And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
    “ My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
    Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
    For whom the LORD loves He chastens,
    And scourges every son whom He receives.' If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.
  • James 1:2-3
    My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
Acts 14:22
strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”