Prison Ministries

Read 2 Corinthians 9:5-15, Psalm 119:129-140
The Only Test God Allows

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10

Scripture makes it very clear that we are not to test God. The scribes and Pharisees tried it several times and were rebuked and reminded that we are not to test God.

Annanias and Sapphira tested God by withholding some of the proceeds from the sale of their property and died. Some tested God’s patience and were bitten by poisonous snakes and died. God allowed Job to be tested by every imaginable trial to prove his faith.

God is continually at work testing us. He tests our hearts, our faithfulness, our obedience, our righteousness, and our character, so that we can be conformed to the image of Christ.

Jesus will test the stewardship of our lives when all of the wood, hay, and stubble of vain pursuits are burned away, and only the good works we did which God had chosen for us before we were born and the fruit of our lives that glorified God will remain.

It is very interesting to note that God not only allows, but He commands that we test Him in the area of giving to Him. He specifically promises blessings so abundant that we will not be able to receive them all.

Just as if we had the faith of a mustard seed, we could move mountains; if we had the faith to test God as He commanded, we would be healed of greed and able to receive the overflowing cup of blessings He promises to all who obey this command.

Father, give me the faith to give You the only test You allow. In Jesus’ name, Amen