“Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the LORD tests the heart.” Proverbs 17:3 NLT

Wouldn’t it be helpful if right before a trial or temptation God would provide a flashing sign warning – “This Is a Test!” . . . “This is a Test!”?

Being cognizant of that hopefully would prepare us to be more trusting and dependent upon Him right from the get go, avoiding the regret of needless self-inflicted suffering.

The good news is God allows such things more for our sakes than for His to: 1) Show us what is in our hearts and purify our motives (Deuteronomy 8:2), 2) Teach and train us in His ways (Judges 3:1-2), 3) Motivate us to change and grow (Exodus 20:20), and ultimately 4) Call us into a closer relationship with Him.