“And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.” Deuteronomy 8:2-3

If we look back over our lives, we can see how God has led us through many wilderness situations and demonstrated His faithfulness, love, guidance and wisdom.

 But when we are in the middle of a test, sometimes it is hard to recognise it.

The Israelites were not quick to perceive that their time of wilderness was a test. And what was God testing? Their hearts.

Our motives are weighed by the Lord. Jesus’ focus is the motive behind what we do – that is why God tests our hearts to reward us.

Whatever situation you are in, however hard the pressure or the temptation to complain, grumble and lament, never forget that choice is the greatest gift we have.

You can choose to say no to fear, to doubt, to negativity. You can choose to trust the promise of God and obey His voice. It is by obeying the Word of God in the midst of our test that we grow spiritually and then when we look back, we see not our hunger, our want, our discomfort but God’s goodness, His faithfulness and His provision.

That is when you have passed the test.