A Lenten Reflection: The Concept of Testing

Dear members of God’s family,

We have come again to that time during the year when we reflect upon the state our lives and, as Father Simon so rightly said, we reflect on the concept of sacrifice. I would like us to further reflect on yet another concept that we encounter in one of the readings for today; the concept of “TESTING”.

A “test” may be defined as an event or a set of circumstances that proves or tries a person’s qualities. This concept is not at all new to us. In fact, we face testing every day of our lives. We have to constantly stare trials and tribulations in the face and we struggle to move forward though it may be difficult. The interesting thing is, as you grow in faith and grow closer in your relationship with God, the testing only seems to intensify. This has become an inescapable part of all our lives.

In the scripture reading, Genesis 22: 1-14, we read of how Abraham had been tested by God. God wanted to know how faithful he was and had asked Abraham to give up his ONLY son. How faithful Abraham was because he willingly proceeded to perform what God had asked. Abraham was able to do so because he TRUSTED GOD.

During the Lenten season, we usually read of how even Jesus, though He was the Son of God, was tested by the Devil. We read in Mark’s Gospel last week of how Jesus was tempted after He was baptized and we are familiar with the three temptations some of which would have stumped many of us. I am sure too that we all can recall how Job was tested by the Devil and lost everything he had. He was able to overcome the circumstances because he TRUSTED GOD.

There are many more biblical references that we can recall where we read about people having to undergo difficult testing or trials. Like them, we the people of God living in this era have experienced mind boggling, head spinning, stress-filled situations. We may not be asked to give up our children and we may not lose everything we have, but we are faced with financial difficulties, job stresses, complicated family situations, and heartaches over losing a loved one, friend or family member. This period of testing sometimes break us down and for some of us, rather than trusting in God and asking for help we try to resolve things on our own. When things get worse we finally resort to asking God for assistance.

What should we do when tested? My friends, the answer is simple, KEEP TRUSTING IN GOD!! God should be our first resort. The reading from Romans 8: 31-39, should be a passage of comfort to us. It assures us that no matter the testing, the tribulation, distress, persecution, the peril we are more than CONQUERORS through Him who loves us. We can declare that, if God be for us, WHO or WHAT can be against us?

As we focus on God this Lenten Season, the Devil will purposely try to distract us with tests, but fear not because God is Jehovah Jireh. He will provide our every need and a means of escape in times of trials. Keep trusting in God.

Blessings on you all,

Rena Warner