Deuteronomy 8:2, tells me that I shall remember the whole way that the Lord my God has led me these many years in the wilderness (my earthly existence), that He might humble me, testing me to know what is in my heart, whether I would keep His commandments or not.

His Word also tells me, “Oh Lord, you have searched me and known me! Totally; sitting down, rising up, my thoughts from afar, my path, my ways.” [Psalm 139] He knows me so completely that His testing is only to show me who I am, what rules my heart, because the answer will shape and direct my behavior. [Ezekiel 14:1-5)

God wants His children to recognize what rules their hearts Just as He tested Abraham, so that Abraham came to know that his trust in God, had moved him to sacrifice (nearly) his only son. Just as the resurrected Jesus, asked sought out the failed disciple Peter, and demonstrated His compassion, asking Peter, “Do you love me?” Then restoring him into fellowship with Christ, with the commission to feed His lambs, tend His sheep and feed His sheep. To be, once again, be useful to the Master.

My prayer for each of us, to hear His voice, “Do you love Me?”

Joe.