Pass or Fail?

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”

MATTHEW 4:7

“ASK GOD TO MAKE THE BUILDINGS out of gold if he’s so powerful.”

“If God can do anything, ask him to turn you into a grownup.”

Maybe you’ve heard challenges like this from friends who wonder why you believe in God. They might think that the best way to prove God exists is to have him do tricks. If God can make it snow on command or turn the sky purple, then he’s real, right?

Satan tried to test Jesus this way in Matthew 4. He tempted Jesus to turn stone into bread and do other things. Jesus didn’t fall for the temptation. He instead told Satan we are not to test God but worship him. It’s not our place to test God. Think of it this way: when we make demands of God, it’s kind of like a tiny ant ordering you to sit still or play dead. We have no authority over God; God has all authority over us. We disrespect him when we demand that he do things to prove his existence.

When our friends doubt God, it’s not up to us to convince them he’s real. All we can do is explain why we have faith in God and how he’s changed our lives. We can point to the reasons for our faith and let our friends know we hope they’ll get to know God too.

DO

At the bottom of this page, write three ways you can worship God outside of church. Maybe it’s spending time praying outside, praying with your mom or dad, or writing a letter thanking God. During the next week, take time to do at least one of these things.

PRAY

Dear God,

You are all-powerful and amazing. You created the entire universe. Thank you for giving me life and for providing for my needs. I will never stop worshiping you. Amen.

READ

Deuteronomy 6:16-18; Luke 4:9-12