Testing God

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw pen the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (Malachi 3:10, NIV)

We live under the blessing of God, always, yet there are many blessings and promises we read in his word that are conditional. Meaning, to receive what he says we must do exactly what he says, follow his instructions without deviation.

In Malachi 3:10 God speaks to the blessing that comes from our willingness to give him our first fruits. Blessings that come when we are willing to give to God off the top and not the bottom. The top could be our finances, our day, our talents and gifts, our energy. Blessings so great that will flow from haven we will not be able to store or contain them. We read about a similar blessing in Luke 6 where God says the blessing that comes from obedience to the law of giving will be like a great measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over (6:38).

When we test God concerning his promises, we are not insulting him, testing him out of a spirit or attitude of doubt or trying to incite him, we test his promises and word from the basis of faith, knowing he not only can do what he promises but will keep his word concerning his promise.

We test God’s promises and word when we are bold to live in them. Our lives might be good, and we may be experiencing blessings from heaven in so many, or our lives might seem as though they are falling apart, and everything looks hopeless and bleak, but as God promised when we test him, we have yet another level of blessing we can experience and receive. Blessings so great we will not be able to contain them when we are willing to meet the conditions he sets before us. Let’s Pray,

I want to live that kind of life, Lord. Living up under your blessings that are too big to store or contain. May I be brave enough and faith-filled enough to put you to the test concerning your promises toward me. Amen

Reflective Questions for Soul-Tending:

What promises do you need to test God on?

How will you apply or incorporate today’s message into your plan of soul-care?