This Is A Test, Genesis 22:1-19

This Is A Test

Genesis 22:1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied.

This is the beginning of the story of Abraham taking his son to the mountain to sacrifice him there to the Lord. Here, at the beginning of the story, we are told that this is a test.

"This is a test. This station is conducting a test of the Emergency Broadcast System. This is only a test"...  Squelch, Screech Squelch. "This is a test of the Emergency Broadcast System. The broadcasters of your area in voluntary cooperation with the Federal, State and local authorities have developed this system to keep you informed in the event of an emergency. If this had been an actual emergency,  the Attention Signal you just heard would have been followed by official information, news or instructions. This concludes this test of the Emergency Broadcast System."

Ever hear that come across the radio or television? It been happening for several years since 1963 and was implemented by the Kennedy administration to allow the president to speak to the nation about any pending emergencies, especially a nuclear attack. We have never had that but it has been used for many other emergencies, over 20,000 times.

What signal does God use when he tests us? For Abraham it was a specific command. For us it may not be so clear, but be assured he does test us. But ,why does he test us? Here are a couple reasons; he tests us to see if we will be obedient. Also, he test us to see if we trust his judgement. There are many examples of God testing his people. The exodus from Egypt was a test and David was tested in many ways, but the one that is very clear in the Word is Hezekiah. God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart (2 Chronicles 32:31).

K and A, what is in  your heart? Would God be happy with what he found there? Would you pass his test on faithfulness, on your trust factor? Like any good parent, God will test you to in order to reveal all that is in your heart. God loves you. His tests will reveal to you the inner thoughts of your heart and mind. Do not fear the testing of your life. Remember, it is a test. God is conducting a test of your life. It is not about passing or failing. It is about improving and refining your faith. Young ladies, welcome God's tests, for they are preparations designed to make you holy, that you might survive any attack Satan uses to destroy you and enter into the kingdom of God on That Day.

~Dad