NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN: Romans 12-13
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 4:7 (NIV); Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the
test.’”
There is a difference between testing the spirits and testing God. When we receive a word from
the Lord and look for confirmation, we are testing our own hearts, understanding our weaknesses
and admitting that we don’t trust our own judgment. On the other hand, when we test God we
question his goodness and ability.
We all experience a level of testing, whether in the workplace or the home. Whining children,
demanding customers and incompetent coworkers test our patience frequently. These things are
only glimpses of what God – the orchestrator of the earth – experiences when we put Him to the
test.
“But I would never even think to test God!” we say. But our words and actions prove otherwise.
Complaining and grumbling when God has given us countless blessings grates Him. Making God
prove Himself to us by way of threats – “God, if you don’t heal this person I don’t think I can trust
you anymore” – tries Him. Doubting that God can actually carry out His promises when His word
clearly affirms His reliability tests Him. We are all guilty of these things.
God has given us much blessing, not to mention his incomprehensible gift of eternal life through
the forgiveness of sins! To think that we – His creation – are pretentious enough to stand before
Him and complain, question his authority and even threaten Him is baffling. A habit of this testing
is like playing with fire.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Take an inventory of your speech this past week. How many times can you recount yourself
complaining in your thoughts, actions and words?
When have you threatened God in your heart?
How have you doubted God’s ability to act and intervene in your life?
2. Ask God to give you an understanding of the dangers of testing Him, and take time to repent of
these things.
3. Meditate on God’s goodness in your own life, and the mightiness of His character. Let these
things be your focus today.
