THE TESTS OF PURITY
“They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the Lord’s commands, which he had given their ancestors through Moses.” Judges 3:4 NIV
As children of God, our sanctification is an ongoing process that will not be complete until Christ returns. Holiness is not something we possess naturally; it is something we are being trained into daily by the Spirit.
Often, the Lord will allow certain situations—or even particular people—to remain in our lives so that, through their opposition or friction, hidden flaws in our attitudes, motives, or beliefs can be brought to the surface and dealt with.
In our theme scripture, we see this same principle at work with the children of Israel. God wanted to reveal to them that they did not yet know how to live as His covenant people. They had not truly recognized Him as their King, nor did they view His supernatural provisions as expressions of His grace.
The same is true for us today. When the Lord allows such tests to come—not as the author of evil, but as the One who redeems all things—our response should not be to sulk or resist. Instead, we are to embrace His discipline, for “whom the Lord loves He chastens” (Hebrews 12:6 NKJV). These tests are not signs of His rejection, but of His refining love.
Prayer: My Father, I thank You for loving me enough to refine me. Thank You for the tests that reveal what still needs to be surrendered to You. Help me to see Your hand even in moments of discomfort, and to respond with obedience and humility. Guard my heart from resentment, and teach me to rejoice in the shaping work of Your Spirit. May every trial draw me closer to Your likeness, until Christ is fully formed in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Malachi 3:3
• James 1:2-4
• 1 Peter 1:6-7
