Listening to the Father’s Heart

Listening to the Father’s Heart

Son, all of my sons and daughters will experience times of testing. Testing reveals things that cannot be known any other way. These times are not for me to discover something about you, but for you to discover something about yourself. These times are meant to reveal your true heart, showing you what needs to change and where you need to grow or heal. I tested Abraham to see if he loved me more than his own son (Gen 22:1). His choice revealed what was in his heart. When I took the Israelites through the desert, their testing revealed a hardness of heart that I could not accept. The testing of your faith produces patience and perseverance (Ja 1:3). I use these times to help you learn about yourself and how to walk with me. Issues of the heart are only revealed through these times. My own Son was also tested in order to identify with your struggles. And he now prays for you to overcome (Heb. 4:25). Embrace my tests, son, and see them as opportunities to become more like my Son.

I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things; and now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here to offer willingly to You. 1 Chronicles 29:17