A test is described in the oxford dictionary as an examination of someone’s knowledge or ability, consisting of questions for them to answer or activities for them to perform. For those who studied medicine, they sit for a medical school test. It is difficult to find carpenters, plumbers, architects or fashion designers sitting for the medical school test. If they attempt to sit for it, they will fail woefully, so the medical test is mainly for those who studied health and medicine and not for everyone, and this is in preparation to either become doctors, nurses or a practitioner in the medical field.

This is similar to God’s heart test, not everyone on earth goes through God’s heart test, if we don’t know God and don’t have a relationship with him we will typically fail his heart test, so if perhaps you are going through God’s heart test count yourself blessed because God has a plan for you. God is really interested in taking you to a higher level than you have ever imagined. God’s heart test will reveal things to you about your heart that you didn’t even know were there and all he would require of you after the result of the test is to make corrections so that you can get to the next level. Just as in medical school you become a certified and qualified doctor, nurse or medical practitioner when you pass God’s heart test you can tell if your Christianity is genuine and if spiritual growth is occurring, you will also get a reward here on earth and in heaven above. After Abraham passed God’s test when he was asked to sacrifice Isaac his son, God brought him a ram instead and promised that he will make his descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, he also promised that the messiah will come through Abraham’s lineage (Genesis22). After Job passed through his challenges God also rewarded him a double blessing.

You may be going through a lot of challenges (1 Peter 4;12), but how you handle those challenges determines the result of your test because you are going through God’s heart test. Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So, let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1;2-4 NLT. So rejoice if you are going through…

You must always remember that choosing to stay in your Comfort Zones when God requires you to step out, simply means saying “No” to God; and saying “No” to partnering with Him for His work on the earth.

Moving from your Comfort Zone to your Faith Zone requires a desire to change location on your part. Note that it is normal for you to feel scared sometimes, but never entertain it. Avoid nay Sayers at all cost, move far away from them. Search the scriptures and re-affirm your self with God’s word. Use positive self-talk to change your orientation. Don’t take yourself too seriously, when you make mistakes or fail at something, learn the lessons and move on. Recognize the frailty of your own strength, and let your dependence be on God. Draw strength from the past successes God gave you, and from what God is doing through other people. Embrace every challenge that God sends your way, and you will always be better for it.

God’s heart test for the Lord God almighty takes pleasure in you and desires that you come out victorious. Every time we do something we are not proud of, God allows it happen to show us what is in our heart, he doesn’t do it to condemn us but so that we can face them and through the help of the Holy Spirit deal with them and grow stronger in Christ . God is looking out for our motives, what is motivating our behaviour, and is always willing to stir us
on to the right path.

How can we pass God’s heart test?

A humble heart ; Do we get angry and discouraged when we are going through difficulties? is our life all about our success and happiness and so any hindrance to this makes us murmur and complain? Psalm 34: 18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart and saves such as have a contrite spirit. NKJV. we will fail God’s heart test if we do not have a humble heart that is patient to go through the trials and come out stronger. Abraham was
humble enough to trust God knowing that God must have a good reason for asking him to do what he asked.

An obedient heart; Gen 22;3 Abraham obeyed God immediately, if we don’t obey God immediately, we give room for the enemy to tempt us and give us reasons not to obey, and then we begin to question God. When we are disobedient, we end up repeating the test because we will fail. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the earth to show himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to him. 2 Chronicles 16: 9 NKJV

A heart that fears God: God’s purpose in a test is to make us look like himself. Gen 22: 12 ‘Don’t lay a hand on that boy! Don’t touch him! Now I know how fearlessly you fear God; you didn’t hesitate to place your son, your dear son, on the altar for me’ MSG. Abraham feared God even more than losing his son. Many people fail God’s heart test because they fear man even more than they fear God. They fear the opinions of men and many times because their following Christ was more focused on prosperity, when difficulties come, they leave God.

Psalm 34:16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil. To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth NKJV. There are times when God allows trials to come into the life of the righteous as a test. But God’s actions are more severe toward the wicked whom he rejects. Which side would you rather be?

Olubukola Asafa