Genesis 22

Abraham offers his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice.

INSIGHT

God tests our faith -- not to catch us failing so that He can punish us or merely to determine genuineness -- but to strengthen and increase our faith for the future.

The concept of testing includes refining or purifying. It is the same word used to describe the process of refining gold to purify it and to increase its value. The purpose of testing is to yield spiritual maturity.

We see from Abraham's life that God tests us for our good. We, then, can trust Him, even during times of testing.