In some ways, all of life is a test. How will we react when things go wrong? Or when we don’t get our way? Or God feels far away? Those are circumstances we all understand. But, have you ever thought that a blessing from God could also be a test?
In Exodus 15 we find the people of Israel several weeks’ journey into the wilderness after their escape from Egypt. They’re out of food and starting to complain. God tells Moses not to worry because he (God) will provide quail for the people at night and a strange new food the people will call manna six mornings a week. He went on to say he was doing this as a test to see if the people would obey his instructions. They could collect manna six days a week, but not on the seventh, because that was a day of rest. Most passed the test, but some didn’t. They had to learn the hard way.
There’s more: What God was offering was not just food. He was giving them the gift of enough and the gift of rest. They received the full blessing only when they were obedient.
After reading this story in Exodus, I have to wonder if God blesses us and then stands back to see how we will use the gifts he gives us. Maybe, with his blessings, he is trying to grow in us a willing obedience, care for others, and trust in him. Are we passing the test?
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” – Ephesians 1:3
Walking Together on Holy Ground 
Thanks you for this insightful article on how testing can be a form of instruction. I especially appreciated this compact statement: “What God was offering was not just food. He was giving them the gift of enough and the gift of rest. They received the full blessing only when they were obedient.” One afterthought – a wise Bible teacher pointed out that testing can take the form of pain or pleasure. David in the Old Testament was at his best fighting the battles God had given to him. But he failed when he became so successful he left the fight and lusted after what he should not have (2 Samuel 11). Testing can take the form of pain or pleasure. But in each case obedience must rule the day. Thanks for you thoughts!
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Great thoughts, Dennis. David is certainly a good example of blessing being a harder test than struggle. The manna, too, was a blessing, but it came with a test. Out of his loving heart, God is always teaching us. I am so grateful for his patience in the process!
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Amen!
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“But, have you ever thought that a blessing from God could also be a test?” Wooowwww this is SOOOOO very true and I can so relate to be honest with ya! This post was truly convicting and self examining for me and I’m sure for others too as well. God bless and continue to use you in Jesus name. Amen. ❤
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Thank you for your comments, Tammy. So glad you found the post helpful and convicting. God is always at work in us!
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Most welcome my dearest! ❤ Yup indeed! Take care! And don't stop writing for His glory despite the odds. It's worth it.
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