Biblical Answer

The Dilemma of Testing God

When faced with a difficult situation, it's natural to wonder why God allows us to go through such trials. The story of Job in the Bible is a classic example of this dilemma. Job, a righteous man, suffers greatly, and his friends try to explain why God is dealing with him in this way. However, the book of Job shows that God is not being tested by Job's circumstances, but rather, Job is being tested by God. This is a crucial distinction that we must understand.

God's Sovereignty and Our Humility

The question "why does God have to test me like this?" reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of God's sovereignty. We often think that we are in control, and God is only reacting to our circumstances. However, the Bible teaches that God is the one who is in control, and we are accountable to Him. As the Psalmist says, "Will you look away from me? Will you leave me alone while I swallow my saliva?" (Psalm 102:7). This question is a reminder that we are not in control, and God's ways are not our ways. We must learn to trust in His sovereignty and accept that He has the right to do anything He wants.

Accepting the Test

The story of Job teaches us that accepting the test is not about understanding why God is allowing us to go through difficult circumstances. Rather, it's about trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty. Job's response to his trials is a model for us: "I shall come forth as gold" (Job 23:10). This image suggests that the test is an opportunity for us to be refined and purified, just like gold is refined in the fire. When we accept the test, we are not testing God; rather, we are trusting in His goodness and sovereignty. As the hymn says, "God will take care of you; Nothing you ask will be denied, God will take care of you." This is a message that speaks to our deepest fears and doubts, and it's a message that we need to hear in times of testing. By accepting the test and trusting in God's sovereignty, we can find peace and comfort in the midst of trials.