Though neither of us enjoys the process, God tests us. Deuteronomy
8:2 says: Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the
desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. (NIV) Will we praise him in spite
of the wilderness, or are we full of self-pity? Will we accept what he allows
without grumbling or will we let anger grow? Will we seek wisdom from others or
stubbornly stick to our own wisdom?
Before the nation of Israel’s
wilderness years, Joseph, the son of Israel,
was tested. First sold into slavery, then falsely accused of rape, Joseph spent
twelve years in prison. Then, through a series of God-ordained events, Joseph was
not only restored but promoted. Whereas he had been head of the palace guard’s
household, now he was second in command over all Egypt subject only to Pharaoh himself,. (See Genesis, beginning in chapter 37) After twelve
years in prison, Joseph had learned to keep his bragging mouth shut. When his
brothers actually did bow before him like Joseph had bragged they would, he did
not say “I told you so.” Joseph passed God’s test. There is no record of
self-pity or grumbling during his prison years. Joseph, like Jesus, had learned
obedience by the things he suffered.
The choice is ours. Let’s determine to learn obedience by
the things we suffer. Let’s guard our hearts against anger. When our wisdom
runs out, let’s submit to other’s wisdom.
Father, we do not like your tests, nor do you enjoy giving
them. May we, by your power, pass them quickly and be not only restored but
promoted.