god’s good testing
“He asked this to test Philip’s response.” —John 6:6
A teacher’s test is not a punishment. It is designed to make the students grow. For example, we have to pass a test to earn a driver’s license. Failing the test is not a punishment. It is rather a learning experience meant to help us pass the next test.
God’s tests are intended to stretch us, to make us holier and more reliant on His grace, without which we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). When God gives us a test, we not only come to know ourselves better, but we come to know Him more deeply as well.
On this earth, we have tests from the Lord (see Dt 4:34; 8:2), trials from life, temptations and trials from the kingdom of darkness, and purifications. “When you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials” (Sir 2:1). God is “the Tester of our hearts” (1 Thes 2:4). The trials we bear are as nothing compared to the glory to be revealed in us (Rm 8:18). God plans “to test you by affliction” (Dt 8:2). “The Lord, your God, is testing you to learn whether you really love Him” (Dt 13:4). “We should be grateful to the Lord our God, for putting us to the test” (Jdt 8:25). However, we are not to test God (Dt 6:16; Jdt 8:12). Jesus specifically rebuked Satan for trying to test God (Mt 4:7).
Scripture talks of gold tested in fire (1 Pt 1:6-7). Therefore, consider your testings and trials as God’s purification to make you shine more brightly. Prepare for your tests by studying the answers contained in the Holy Bible and the teachings of the Church, particularly in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Make solid preparations to pass His tests. Then rejoice in all trials (Jas 1:2).
Prayer: Father, help me prepare for Your tests more seriously than I have ever prepared for school exams.
Promise: “The Lord is my Light and my Salvation; whom should I fear?” —Ps 27:1
Praise: St. Athanasius fought against the denial of Jesus’ divinity for much of his seventy-seven years.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2025, through May 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 4, 2024"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.