Why Does God Test Us?

From The New American Commentary Genesis 11:27-50:26, Volume 1B

by Kenneth Matthews 

He tests to reveal obedience:

Then the LORD said...I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. Exodus 16:4 ESV 

He tests to grow our faith; piety: 

“...God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.” Exodus 20:20 ESV

He tests to discover authenticity:

“...God has led you...that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.” Deuteronomy 8:2 ESV

[I suppose this is more a case of us discovering our own authenticity than Him discovering God already knows, right?]

He tests to help us “do good”

[God] fed you in the wilderness...that he might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end.” Deuteronomy 8:16 ESV

His tests are not to prove our weakness or to make us fail. He tests us to reveal our strengths, to carry us further on our journey towards Him. Often the tests are small-- but significant.