In our last blog we talked about new things. In order to obtain something a process is required, not only from the buyer, but also from the designers. The buyer has to go through the process of comparing the alternatives, and obtain the money to pay for it. The designer has to go through the process of ensuring that the product works according to specifications.

Something similar happens to our lives. God wanted to reconcile humanity to himself, so He began the required process. God decided to select all of humanity, and give his Son as the required payment. Since no one meets the specifications we all must go through a process until our lives achieve the design defined by God.

To ensure that a product meets its specifications it must be submitted to various tests. In the case of a car it has to go through tests like the following:

• Speed
• Safety
• Endurance
• Performance
• Handling

Similarly, it is also necessary that we go through testing.

• Safety
  • situations are needed to teach us control (brake tests)
  • we need to go through losses (crash tests) to learn that our protection is in God
  • we must be seen as people in which others can trust (safety belt)
  • we shall be support (airbags) to those in need
• Endurance
  • only those who endure (distance) to the end shall be saved
  • we shall keep our faith when things go wrong (hot temperatures), and when we don’t feel God’s presence (cold temperatures)
  • difficult environments (off-road tests) are required so we can comfort people that go through similar tests
• Handling
  • We have to learn to walk the narrow path (driving in curves) – the only one that leads to eternal life
  • we need to make other feel loved (comfort tests)
  • we have to be the light to help others walk on the right path (visibility)

Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. – Hebrews 12:11

Joseph is an example of the testing process. Before the process Joseph was despised by his brothers. During the process he was sold into slavery, slandered and unjustly imprisoned. But the outcome of the process was Joseph as second in command in Egypt, used by God to save many. Joseph is the example of when tests cause insignificant things to become important.

Another example is Jesus. Before the process he was the Son of God. During the process he was despised, mocked, and died on the cross. But the outcome is the Son of God resurrected, glorified, and offering eternal life to mankind. Jesus is the example of when tests turn something good into something much better.

The process is not easy, but in God’s hands our victory is assured.

the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ  – 1 Peter 1:7