Why does God test us?

from the old testament

• In the Psalms, testing is often spoken of as a means of purification. Testing helps to remove impurities in one's life and strengthens faith in God. Psalm 66:10 teaches, "For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried."
• Some Psalms even invite God to test, such as Psalm 26:2, which reads, "Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind." Likewise, Psalm 139:23-24 says, "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
• Job is the classic example of a person who faithfully stood for God during a time of testing. He lost his children, his home, and his livelihood. His friends and his wife advised him wrongly. Yet he responded, "The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD" (Job 1:21). The Bible teaches, "In all this Job did not sin with his lips" (Job 2:10).

from the new testament

• James 1:2-4 teaches, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." God has a purpose in testing us, and our response should be joy because testing builds our faith. Just as pruning a plant can lead to greater growth, our time of testing can lead to greater, more mature faith. As James says, testing ultimately leads to being "complete" in our relationship with God, “lacking in nothing.”
• Standing strong during testing leads to spiritual reward, as James 1:12 notes: "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
• First Peter 1:7 repeats this truth about testing leading to purification: "so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
• Jesus is the ultimate example of One who faithfully stood in times of testing. He resisted Satan's temptations three times in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11); wrestled in prayer the night before His death (Matthew 26:38-42); and endured illegal trials, suffering, and an agonizing death on the cross. Through it all, He did not sin and He faithfully accomplished the Father's plan for His life.

implications for today

As believers who recognize that we live in a fallen and broken world, we are called to expect times of testing. As unpleasant as these are, when we understand that God tests us to grow our faith and remind us of what matters, we can handle them with more grace and a desire to consider them from God’s perspective. Tests mature our faith, serve as an example for others, and reflect Jesus’ example. Testing refines our faith, much like fire purifies gold (1 Peter 1:7). For example, during financial struggles, we learn to trust in God's provision rather than our own resources. When relationships are strained, we grow in patience, humility, and love, reflecting Christ's character. When we experience setbacks or failures, we develop perseverance and a deeper reliance on God’s plan rather than our own understanding. These tests strengthen our faith as they expose what is weak or sinful and provide us what we need to trust God and grow. Tests are also to encourage others who witness our endurance and see our growth to endure and grow through their own times of testing. Just as Jesus endured trials and temptations yet remained faithful, we are called to stand firm. Through testing, we are being made complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-4).