Jewish tradition says that Abraham was tested ten times, and he withstood them all in order to make known how great was his love for God (Pirkei Avot – “Ethics of the Fathers”). In the previous Torah portion (Lech Lecha), Abraham was tested when God commanded him to circumcise himself at the age of 99. In this week’s Torah portion (Vayeira), Abraham was tested when God asked him to offer up his dear son Isaac. He found the courage to offer him up, even though it was certain to ruin all that had been promised to him. Abraham’s obedience was meritorious and brought him and his generations reward.
Tests bring to light the hidden potential within a person. Without the test, only God is aware of a person’s potential. When you go through a test, it is really an opportunity to take the potential you have within you and make it actual. That potential—just like Abraham’s—is not meant just for you; it is meant for the people around you.
Everything you need to be advanced in life is within you. You simply need to see it and recognize it. You have potential. Discover it.