That was easy! Next question.
I confidently circled my answer but before I moved on to the next one, a wave of apprehension swept over me. I was second guessing myself. Was this as simple a question as I thought? I reread the question and discovered that I made a wrong assumption.
It was my weekly examination for organic chemistry. During my sophomore year in college, I took one of my most challenging courses of my entire undergraduate years. The professor gave us difficult but fair examinations. However, he had a penchant for inserting a curve ball in at least every exam-a trick question and I almost fell into the trap.
High school, college, medical school, residency-no matter the level, I was annoyed when the professors did that. Lessons learned, however. Over forty years later, I still remember the question and the correct answer!
Trick questions. The joy of educators and bane of students. Ironically, now that I am on the other side of the equation, I find usefulness utilizing this technique. I always include a trick question during my teaching sessions because it helps my students remember the lesson. Yes, I annoy myself! What about God? What does He do when He tests us?
The LORD tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.
Psalms 11:5 (NKJV)
When God tests us, does He ever set us up with a trick question, cleverly disguising the wrong answer as the correct one and intentionally leading us down the wrong path? No! God does not tempt anyone to do evil.
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
James 1:13 (NKJV)
So why does God test us?
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:2-5 (NKJV)
God tests us to grow and perfect our faith in Him. Like my examination, I may not enjoy the trials when they come upon me, but God did not intend for me to walk this path alone. He took the initiative and sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the Cross for my sins.
No trick questions with God. He only gives us the Truth. All who call upon the Name of His Son, Jesus Christ, will be saved!
Hallelujah!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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