Life is not easy.

While we all want to do what’s right, it is not always simple. Life happens and we are forced to make difficult choices and we don’t always choose what’s right. Sometimes we take the easier road or the path of least resistance.

What makes us unique from the animals is that we have absolute free choice to be as good as we possibly can be or to make bad choices and sink to low spiritual levels very distant from God. “Behold I present before you today a blessing and a curse” (Deuteronomy 11:6)

God gives us the ability to choose, He roots for us and wants us to make good choices but at the end of the day we must choose freely. God is not interested in robots—He wants a real relationship with us and that can only be achieved if we choose it freely.

Throughout our lives we face tests and challenges that are tailor made to fit our lives. God never challenges you with something that you cannot handle!

What is the purpose of tests that we face? Well, the verse tells us—” God tests you to know whether you love Hashem your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”

The Hebrew word for tests in this verse is “menaseh” (מְנַסֶּ֞ה). The word “menaseh” can also mean elevating so the verse can be read as follows: God tests a person in order to elevate him!

This idea is very important to remember as we go through the days, weeks, months and years of our lives. When we face challenges and difficulties it is not because God is trying to make your life miserable but actually it is quite the opposite. It is an opportunity to grow and raise your spiritual level.

Tests are not easy but who ever said easy is better? When confronted with a test, no doubt that we will have to draw on our reserves of faith and trust in God, but when we do our relationship with God will be in a place that could only be reached by passing a test.