When God Tests Us

Have you ever wondered why it seems God is always testing us? If you have, then this episode is for you.

Just like when we were kids in school, life is full of tests—and most people still want to avoid them! Today, Yael Eckstein looks at Abraham’s tests in the Book of Genesis to discover the purpose of life’s tests—to turn us into the best versions of ourselves that we can be. Then, gain a whole new understanding of the reason why we are tested in life, illustrated by Yael’s own experiences.

Instead of running away from God’s tests, let’s try and look forward to them!

Test your knowledge of the father of our faith who was tested by God by taking our quiz on Abraham.

Episode Notes:

Today’s episode focuses on the very first verse in the twelfth chapter of Genesis. It says, “The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you’” (12:1).

This verse contains God’s first commandment to the patriarch Abraham: to leave behind everything familiar to him—his country, his people, and his father’s home—and follow God to an unknown destination. According to Jewish tradition, God tested Abraham ten times and this directive was his first test—and Abraham passed it with flying colors. 

But why did God test Abraham in the first place? Didn’t God already know that Abraham was a man of faith? As we’ll learn in today’s episode, the purpose of Abraham’s tests—and all tests in life—is not to show God what we are capable of, but to show ourselves what we are capable of. Tests show us who we really are and help us become the people God created us to be.

In this insightful episode, we will gain a whole new understanding of the reason why we are tested in life, which Yael illustrates through her own personal experience. At the end of the episode, Yael explains how her friends — who lived through wars and terror attacks in Israel — have incredible faith because of the difficulties they have lived through. She realizes an important truth about God’s tests — that being a person of great faith is something we transform into through the tests that we go through.