How does Sai Baba test his devotees, and for what purpose?

The source material suggests that Sai Baba sometimes tests his followers to gauge the depth of their faith and affection before imparting spiritual wisdom. Chapter 18 explicitly states, "Sometimes Baba tests a person to the limit. He puts devotion and love to the test; only then does He give instruction." This indicates that these tests were not arbitrary but served as a prerequisite for receiving higher spiritual guidance. The narrator reflects on this very possibility, wondering if an "unthinkable event" was orchestrated by Baba as a plan to bring "steadiness to my restless mind." This shows that devotees perceived these trials as part of Baba's divine method for spiritual development.