You’ve probably heard the phrase “don’t test God,” but what does that actually mean? Is it ever okay to ask God for a sign or expect Him to come through in a specific way?
The Bible gives us both caution and clarity.
In Deuteronomy 6:16, it says, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test as you did at Massah.” This refers to a time when the Israelites, despite all the miracles they’d already seen, demanded that God prove Himself again—questioning whether He was really with them. Their test came from unbelief. It was rooted in doubt, pride and a lack of trust.
Testing God in that sense means setting conditions for your obedience: “If You do this for me, then I’ll believe.” It’s treating God like a vending machine, only good for what He can do. Not worthy of worship unless He performs on cue.
But the Bible also shows a different kind of testing. In Malachi 3:10, God says, “Test me in this… and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven…" Here, He’s inviting His people to trust Him with their tithes and offerings. To put His promises to work through faithful obedience.
The difference is the posture of the heart. One kind of test demands proof before belief. The other steps out in obedience and expects God to be who He says He is.
So, should we test God? Not from pride. Not from entitlement. But we can trust Him enough to obey what He’s already said and expect that He’ll show up. That kind of faith is responsive. It says, “God, I believe You. I’m standing on Your Word. And I trust You to be faithful.”
God doesn’t owe us signs, but He delights in faith. And when we walk in it, we often discover He’s already been preparing the way.
You can write the Pastor at pastorbilly@findtruelife.com.
