Do you feel like a lab rat? Like God is testing you? You might very well be. The Bible tells us we will face many trials (Job 7:18).

Is what you are going through a test from God or a temptation brought on by Satan?

James 1:13 says, God tests and Satan temps.

God tests you because He loves you. Satan tempts you because he wants to destroy you.

So what does God test, and what is the reason? And what should our response be?

What does God test?
Your heart (1 Chronicles 29:17)
Your mind (Psalm 7:9)
Your love for Him (Deut 13:3)
Your faith (James 1:2-4 and 1 Peter 1:7)

Why does God test?
Get impurities out (sin), “For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver” Psalm 66:10.
So that in the end, it will go well with us (Deut 8:16)
Because He loves you and wants to draw you closer to Him (Hebrews 7:25)

What should be our response to God?
Welcoming of testing, “Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;” Psalm 26:2. Why? Because everything that God does is good and good for us. It may not feel good at the time.
Persevering through testing (James 1:3)
Trusting God as you walk through the testing

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold” Job 23:10