In Malachi 3:10 God challenges us to test him: "'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.'" However, elsewhere in Scripture God tells us to not test him (Deuteronomy 6:16). What is the difference?
In Deuteronomy 6:16 God says, "Do not put the LORD your God to the test as you did at Massah." This refers to the account in Exodus 17:1-7 when the Israelites tested God over a lack of water. What exactly does it mean to test God? Exodus 17:7 says, "they tested the LORD saying, 'Is the LORD among us or not?'" So this type of testing seems to come out of unbelief or rebellion to God.
The type of testing God challenges us with in Malachi 3:10, on the other hand, is a testing of our faith. To willingly give our money, our security, to him takes trust in him. And he promises the more we put our faith in him, the more he will bless us. Maybe this blessing will be in the form of wealth, or maybe God will give us stronger faith or wonderful relationships with the people in our lives or an overall feeling of great contentment. All these things result from being closer to God.
Regarding this test, I've always thought it funny that we find it easier to trust that God has wiped our sins away and gained for us eternal life in heaven than to trust him to provide for our daily needs. Yet that's our sinful nature. Maybe that's why he comes right out and says, "Try me." And starting with baby steps he leads us to see his presence in our daily lives and then from there also further strengthens our trust in his promises regarding eternal life purchased through his Son.
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