Into every life, including that of a “growing, maturing” Christian, must fall some hardship! In fact, it even seems that God “uses” such times of testing and trial to make us stronger!

And our little Psalm of praise, Psalm 66, is so realistic in this area. Listen to the worshipping Psalmist! “For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.” Psalm 66:10

Without a single “hint” as to why, here the provocations and trials of life are acknowledged … as being from Heaven!

God “proved” His children!

Still does.

The word used for “prove” here is a Hebrew verb, “bachan.” Used only 29 times in the whole Bible, it means “to examine, to try, to scrutinize.” The Lord is not trying to hurt us … rather to authenticate us! To see if we are “real, genuine” in our faith!

The parallel verb “to try” means “to refine, to smelt, to purge (from dross, impurity), to be a goldsmith!” A process, though not pleasant, which enhances the utility and value of any metallic possession!

“In the fire,” so to speak … placed there by the Will of God, under and within the hand of God!

“For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.”

But “why?”

Maybe to keep us humble!

Maybe to make our faith stronger!

Maybe to condition us not to quit so easily!

Maybe to teach us God’s Word, to a greater degree!

Maybe to prepare us to help others who later will be so tested!

Maybe to prove to the devil (as in Job’s case) that we are not serving God only for the blessings He gives!

Folks, there is ample Bible proof, plenty of it, behind every one of the suggested reasons I’ve listed above.

But today, just the fact … He “proves” His Own children.

Hebrews 12:5-8 gives us the New Testament perspective. “My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.”

Yes, that’s being “proved and tried” all right!

But it is also clear evidence that we belong to Jesus!

Not illegitimate!

In His Hand … safe, for sure.

But also … cleansed!

Dr. Mike Bagwell