Training and testing can sound different but if we look closely the results they bring forth are quite similar. We tend to put more value on training though than testing. Whether we train for a marathon or to ascend the career ladder we see that as something necessary and beneficial.
The pain that our bodies endure and the time we spend to accomplish this is seen as something positive and praiseworthy.
On the other side, we often fail to see testing times as challenges and obstacles that we face to purify and refine us.
God uses testing as a way to examine us, to prove and investigate our character and motives. Like the fire that testes the purity of the silver and gold, so does our God tests our hearts because he loves us and he wants to see his reflection on us.
We don’t ignore or dismiss testing times but we acknowledge them today and ask God for grace as we walk through difficulty and hardship.