Not Evil, Purposeful
“The Lord will work out His plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” - Psalm 138:8
As we learned yesterday, not every test is from the devil, meaning that not every test is evil or a punishment. Sometimes, it is God who decides to allow a test to come into our lives. And if it is from God, then rest assured that the motive is not evil; it is purposeful.
If God designed it and we know that God wants what is best for us, then we must realize this problem is not designed to hurt us, but to help us. When God tests us, it is to either clarify something about us or to bring something out of us.
When a refiner puts metal in the fire, he does so for two reasons. First, he wants to bring the impurities in the metal out of the metal. This is called purification. Second, he does so until he can see his image of reflection in the metal. That is called clarification. Purification and clarification are the reasons the refiners put the metal through the fire.
When we go through tests that God has ordained, it is to purify and to clarify. What is God testing you with right now? What is the purpose of your test? Instead of asking yourself, “Why me, God?” or “When will this end, God?” Consider asking questions that will actually help you understand the purpose.
We do not have control over when God tests us or how long the duration of the test will be. Instead of complaining or becoming frustrated, we should seek to understand the purpose of the test. We know God works everything for our good as believers. So, we have no need to doubt His motives; instead, we should seek to understand what He wants us to come out with.
Is God seeking to purify you or clarify something within you? What is the purpose of your test? Rather than focusing on unimportant, uncontrollable questions, seek to find the answer to the questions that really matter. What is God’s purpose in the tests and trials you find yourself in now?
As we learned yesterday, not every test is from the devil, meaning that not every test is evil or a punishment. Sometimes, it is God who decides to allow a test to come into our lives. And if it is from God, then rest assured that the motive is not evil; it is purposeful.
If God designed it and we know that God wants what is best for us, then we must realize this problem is not designed to hurt us, but to help us. When God tests us, it is to either clarify something about us or to bring something out of us.
When a refiner puts metal in the fire, he does so for two reasons. First, he wants to bring the impurities in the metal out of the metal. This is called purification. Second, he does so until he can see his image of reflection in the metal. That is called clarification. Purification and clarification are the reasons the refiners put the metal through the fire.
When we go through tests that God has ordained, it is to purify and to clarify. What is God testing you with right now? What is the purpose of your test? Instead of asking yourself, “Why me, God?” or “When will this end, God?” Consider asking questions that will actually help you understand the purpose.
We do not have control over when God tests us or how long the duration of the test will be. Instead of complaining or becoming frustrated, we should seek to understand the purpose of the test. We know God works everything for our good as believers. So, we have no need to doubt His motives; instead, we should seek to understand what He wants us to come out with.
Is God seeking to purify you or clarify something within you? What is the purpose of your test? Rather than focusing on unimportant, uncontrollable questions, seek to find the answer to the questions that really matter. What is God’s purpose in the tests and trials you find yourself in now?
Subscribe Now for Free Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Plenty of RoomThankful for Your SeatWho God Invites to the TableThat’s the PointWe Do Not Have a Monopoly on GodStop Talking So LoudLet God Handle the Guest ListA Long-Awaited ReunionSeeing Jesus for YourselfIn Possession of a Personal PromiseGet in the Right PositionReady to ReceiveAligning Your Life for God's PromiseWaiting with ExpectancyGrounded in PrayerStrength in PrayerPatience Through PrayerStay Focused Through PrayerGod's Conditional PromisesGod’s PriorityGrounded in FaithTrusting God's TimingThe Assurance of God's PromisesIs It Well With Your Soul?Health vs. HealingStewarding Your BodyA Holistic View of Spirituality
2024
January
Let it GoA Prayer for RestorationThe Power of Self-ForgivenessEmbracing FreedomFrom Transgression to RedemptionRelease and FreedomWisdom in ReflectionBlessed Assurance in ForgivenessEmbracing Divine RestTrusting in the WaitingEmbracing Peace in Unresolved MomentsMoving Forward Without ClosureA New Chapter AwaitsRefocusing for a New ChapterThe Danger of Looking BackLet God Be Your DefenseGod's Victory, Not OursThe Author of Your New ChapterThe Faithful Promise KeeperA Promise UnveiledThe Urgency of ObedienceThe University of AdversityThriving in AdversityForging the Future YouTransformative Power of AdversityThe Role of ResilienceThe Gift of EmpathyChanging PerspectiveGod's Purpose in Your AdversityThe Anchoring Power of TrustConsistent in Prayer, Unwavering in Praise
February
Navigating Life's JourneyLessons from the Prodigal SonStaying on TrackA Lesson in PatienceTrusting in God's TimingAvoiding the DriftChoosing Your Company WiselyThe Impact of Your Inner CircleThe Call to Responsible StewardshipFrom Rock Bottom to RedemptionGetting My Life Back On TrackWholeness Beyond Rock BottomWaking Up to ResponsibilityFacing the FactsOnly God Can Make Life Worth Living You Can Do ItYour Transformation MattersBreaking Free from ShameGod's Unwavering CareThe Good ShepherdThe Shepherd Who ProvidesFinding Refuge in God's ProtectionGod's Omnipotent ProtectionGod's Unseen ProtectionOverflowing BlessingsA Unique LoveA Divine ExchangeThe Power in His Precious BloodFrom Trials to Praise
March
Cleansing Body, Mind, and SpiritDetoxifying the MindDetoxifying for Spiritual EmpowermentThe Promise of God's PresenceWalking Purely Under God's ProtectionEmbracing God's Promise of RedemptionEmbracing God's Promise of ReconciliationThe Blessing of God's Adoption and ProvisionGod Desires RelationshipGod's Unconditional LoveGod's Gift of GraceNot OptionalPromises for the Chosen
No Comments