Yes, This Is a Test

Scripture: “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. John 4:48-51

Observation: When this rich man - a "royal official" perhaps indicating he is a member of King Herod's inner circle - hears of Jesus, he goes to Jesus and asks for his son to be miraculously healed. What Jesus does next is more than a healing ... it is a test. He first challenges the very idea that the primary reason people come to see him is not out of faith, but out of need. Therefore, he tests the man's faith, pronouncing the son is now healed without going to him (in fact, while being dozens of miles away, for it is at least a two day journey for the man to return home). And, at Jesus' pronouncement the official ... "took Jesus at his word and departed." In other words, he had faith and believed, and his son was healed.

Application: I do believe the Lord tests us. These are not tests to be cruel, nor are they tests to punish us if we fail. However, they are tests to see if our hearts are prepared for something more, and if by engaging in the tests our faith can grow into a closer relationship with Jesus.

In the case of this royal official, the test is pretty straightforward. Jesus effectively says, 'you think you have faith that I can heal, then show me if have faith that I can heal by my word and not just my touch'. The man does.

I have been tested by the Lord, and sometimes I pass and sometimes I don't. I do know how I have grown from the tests, and that is key. The tests aren't about passing, they are about developing my testimony and my faith so I can better serve the Lord and tell others about Jesus in my life. Sometimes, I feel I have wasted the tests by not using what I have learned to its full potential.

I do think our family is in the midst of several tests right now. Some are subtle but involve almost continual reliance on the Lord, perhaps intended to adjust our hearts. Some are huge and difficult, likely producing an overhaul in our faith and relationship with Jesus. I trust the outcomes will be good, as they always are.

Prayer: Lord, I lean in today to the test before me. May I continue to seek you in the current circumstances, and in so doing find how you are adjusting my heart and my faith to your purposes. Amen.