Volume 65 December 2026-January 2026 : Mokanoki

In the last issue I asked you a number of questions about life. You have not answered any of them. If you did you have not given me the correct answers yet. As per my promise in the last issue: I would like us to look at the biblical life metaphor. Remember we said the Bible offers three metaphors that teach us God`s view of life: Life is a test, life is a trust, and life is a temporary assignment. These ideas are the foundation of purpose-driven living. In this issue we are going to look at Life as a test. 

During my school days, there was always one thing that I hated with all my heart: examination or test times. Even though I knew the importance of this particular time, that did not take away the dislike. Without test there was no way I could graduate. Without exams I could not become a professional.       

Life on earth is a Test. 

This life metaphor is seen in stories throughout the Bible. God continually tests people`s character, faith, obedience, love, integrity, and loyalty. Words like trials, temptations, refining, and testing, occur more than 200 times in the Bible.  God tested Abraham by asking him to offer his son, Isaac.  God tested Jacob when he had to work extra years to earn Rachel as his wife. Adam and Eve failed their test in the Garden of Eden, and David failed his tests from God on several occasions. 

But the Bible also gives us many examples of people who passed a great test, such as Joseph, Ruth, Esther, and Daniel. Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and all of life is a test.  You are always being tested.  The money you get as salary at the end of the month is nothing but a test. The children you have are a test. 

God constantly watches your response to people, problems, success, conflict, illness, disappointment, and even the weather!  He even watches the simplest actions such as when you open a door for others, when you pick up a piece of trash, or when you`re polite toward a clerk or waitress. 

We don`t know all the tests God will give you but we can predict some of them, based on the Bible. Major changes, delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism, and even senseless tragedies will test you.  

In my own life I have noticed that God tests my faith through problems, tests my hope by how I handle possessions, and tests my love through people. A very important test is how you act when you can`t feel God`s presence in your life. Sometimes God intentionally draws back, and we don`t sense his closeness. 

A king named Hezekiah experienced this test. The Bible says, “God withdrew from - Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart.” 2chro 32:31.

Hezekiah had enjoyed a close fellowship with God but at a crucial point in his life God left him alone to test his character, to reveal a weakness, and to prepare him for more responsibility. When you understand that life is a test, you realise that nothing is insignificant in your life. Even the smallest incident has significance for your character development.

 Every day is an important day, and every second is a growth opportunity to deepen your character, to demonstrate love, or to depend on God.  Some tests seem overwhelming, while others you don`t even notice. But all of them have eternal implications.  The good news is that God wants you to pass the tests of life, so he never allows the tests you face to be greater than the grace he gives you to handle them.  

The Bible says, “God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

Every time you pass a test, God notices and makes plans to reward you in eternity. James says:  “Blessed are those who endure when they are tested. When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”James 1:12 In the next issue we will look at the second biblical metaphor of life.  Be blessed! ENDS

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