Testing of the Heart
2 Chronicles 32:21 After experiencing the great victory against the Assyrians, God withdrew from Hezekiah to test his heart. Like Hezekiah, God tests our hearts not for Himself, but for our own good.
6/23/20261 min read
However, regarding the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, whom they sent to him to inquire about the wonder that was done in the land, God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart. 2 Chronicles 32:31 (NKJV)
The Assyrians came against Hezekiah, taunting him and letting him and his people know that no god or nation had been able to stand against their might. So, along with the prophet Isaiah, he cried out to the Lord, who sent an angel that cut down every mighty man of the Assyrian army. After God healed Hezekiah from an illness, a Babylon envoy came to inquire of the secrets of his success, but God withdrew from Hezekiah so that his heart could be tested, revealing his true intentions. Hezekiah was not under the same immediate guidance as during the Assyrian siege, showing that his faith was tested not only in crises but also in moments of success and recognition.
God knows our hearts, but that is not always true for us, so He tests our hearts so that we know where our weakness' lie and go to Him to strengthen us. One of the best ways that God tests our hearts is through reading His written word, the bible. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two‑edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” When we study the bible daily, our weaknesses are revealed through it, and we recognize the need to put our faith in Jesus, who takes our burdens for us, strengthening us in the worst of times.
Make a commitment to read the bible every day, choosing to see yourself in the written word and going to Jesus to help where you are weak. Do a HEART check daily and see if you are hurting, exhausted, angry, restless, or tense, and choose to give to Jesus who is faithful and delivers you from your pain. Pray the words, "Test me Lord and show my weaknesses," so that you may accept your weakness and surrender to God's grace. Remember that God already knows your heart, and He tests you so that you may know it too, using it as tool for growth, strengthening your faith and devotion to God.