Verse – Psalm 66:10-12
For you, God tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.
Reflection- Psalm 66:10-12 – God Allows Tests
Life is filled with moments that stretch us beyond our comfort zones. In those seasons, it’s easy to feel like we are being punished or forgotten by God. But Scripture reminds us that there is a difference between temptation and testing.
Temptation seeks to lead us away from God into sin, but testing is a divine process, one that purifies, strengthens, and prepares us for what lies ahead.
Think of a raw piece of metal. It doesn’t become a sharp, polished sword by lying idle. It must be beaten, moulded, and tested in fire. Only then can it stand strong in battle. In the same way, God allows us to pass through fiery trials, not to destroy us, but to shape us into something unbreakable.
Training in any field, be it military, medicine, or ministry demands resilience. There are times when it feels unbearable, times when you question if you can carry on. But once the training is complete, the trials begin to make sense. They serve a purpose. You emerge not only ready but equipped to face whatever challenges your calling may bring.
God does the same with us. When life becomes overwhelming, when it feels like everyone has turned their back on you, that may be the very moment God is refining your spirit. He tests your patience, your faith, your endurance, not to punish, but to reveal your strength and build your character.
This is the heart of Psalm 66. The psalmist doesn’t deny the pain of testing. He speaks of being burdened, imprisoned, trampled, and taken through fire and water. But then comes the shift: “You brought us to a place of abundance.” Testing is not the end. God uses it as a bridge to blessing.
We can learn from Job, who remained faithful even when he lost everything. His life was a testament to enduring faith. Instead of cursing God, he sought understanding and remained steadfast. And in the end, God restored him abundantly.
When you are tested, when you’re tired, heartbroken, isolated, or uncertain, remember this: your testing is not a sign of God’s absence. It is evidence of His purpose in your life. Your place of abundance is on the other side of endurance.
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Self-Reflection Questions
- How do I usually respond to difficult seasons in life—do I withdraw from God or lean into Him?
- Can I think of a time when a challenging experience ultimately strengthened my faith or character?
- What areas of my life might God be refining right now?
- Am I seeking God’s purpose in my trials, or simply praying for them to end?
- How can I encourage someone else who might be going through their own season of testing?
Declaration
I will stay strong even when I stumble. I will press on when I feel weary. I recognise that testing comes when my breakthrough is near. I will not give in to fear, nor will I curse the name of the Lord. Instead, I will lift up prayers for strength. I will trust that God is working in the fire, and I will come out refined, victorious, and filled with purpose.
Prayer
Almighty Lord,
Thank You for the strength You have placed within me, even when I don’t feel it. There are moments when life feels too heavy to bear, when the pain and confusion seem endless, but even then, I know You are near. I may not always understand why I’m going through what I’m going through, but I trust that You are shaping something beautiful in me.Lord, when fear tries to take over, replace it with Your peace. When I feel like giving up, breathe new life into my spirit. Let me not crumble under the weight of hardship, but rise with resilience, knowing that Your hand is upon me. Remind me that this is not the end, that You are preparing something far greater than I can imagine.
Help me to stay faithful, even in silence. Teach me to walk through the fire without losing hope. Carry me when I grow tired, and let Your love be the anchor that holds me steady.
Thank You, Lord, for never letting go.
Amen.
