Readings for today: Isaiah 38-39, 2 Kings 20:1-21, 2 Chronicles 32:24-33
“And so in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left Hezekiah to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart.” (2 Chronicles 32:31)
Life is full of tests. We are tested in school in order to demonstrate proficiency in certain areas of study. We are tested physically when we exercise or participate in sports. We are tested mentally as we develop particular talents and abilities. Our hearts are tested when we enter into relationships with other people. The same is true with faith. Our faith is often put to the test. It could be through pain and hardship. It could be through success and achievement. There simply is no way to go through life without being pushed to your limits. And this is a good thing. It’s actually what makes us stronger. When we work out, we build our muscles. When we work through conflict, we build our emotional resilience. When we practice, we develop our talents and abilities. When we turn and depend on God, our faith grows as well.
Some question why a good God would test His people? Such questions are based on the false assumption that a good God would protect us from all hardship. Protect us from all mistakes. Protect us from all pain. But that wouldn’t make God “good” at all. In fact, such a God would be evil for He would be forever stunting our growth. He would be holding us back. He would be letting us down. God is no helicopter parent. He is not hovering over our lives to protect us from all harm. God is faithful. He knows pain is often life’s greatest teacher. He knows hardship only makes us stronger. He knows tests are important so we grow in our understanding and knowledge not only of Him but of ourselves. How else can we know our limits unless we push them? How else can we fulfill our divine potential unless we are intentionally disciplined? How else can we grow and develop into fully functioning adults unless we are given the freedom to both succeed and fail?
Hezekiah was a godly king. His faith had been put to the test numerous times throughout his life. Most especially in his conflict with the Assyrian empire. Over and over again, Hezekiah passed his tests thus proving his devotion to the Lord. As he entered his later years, he grew sick almost to the point of death. He cried out to God yet again. Asking God for mercy and healing. Once again, God delivers him from certain death. Gives him fifteen more years of life. Hezekiah is healthy. He is wealthy. He is at the height of his powers. And God is faithful. He wants to make sure Hezekiah’s heart stays true. So He sends another test. Envoys from an emerging empire to the east show up. They come bearing gifts for Hezekiah to celebrate his miraculous recovery. Hezekiah is flush with pride. He puts the wealth of his kingdom on display before them. Little did he realize these messengers had a secret mission. To help Babylon plot future conquests. Sadly, Hezekiah fails this final test and the consequences are tragic for those who come after him.
Testing comes in many forms. Make no mistake, success and achievement and wealth and honor may be among the hardest tests for us to pass. Consider the number of bankruptcies for lottery winners. The fleeting nature of fame. The ups and downs of the stock market. The lure of political power. These things test our character in ways we are often not prepared for and that’s why so many fail. It’s all too easy to start claiming the credit for ourselves much like Hezekiah. And in such times, God is faithful. Just as He is faithful to deliver us from pain and suffering, He is also faithful to deliver from pride and success. He will humble us so that we might learn to depend on Him again. Remember, God’s goal for us is not the “good life.” It’s not the “American Dream.” God’s goal for His people is to make us more into the image of Christ. To transform us from the inside out so we will love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Every test God brings our way is designed with this great end in mind. Embrace the tests as they come, friends! They are a gift! And by passing them, we earn eternal rewards!
Readings for tomorrow: Isaiah 40-42, Psalms 46