I have always wanted to learn new things. However, I have never enjoyed tests. We study and enjoy learning and then it is time to test. Why ruin the joy of learning with a test? A test is a critical examination, observation, evaluation, or ordeal.
Foolishly, we thought after our schooling was over that there were not going to be any more tests. Wrong! That is when the serious tests start. The tests of life. We are tested in different ways. Our tests in life may seem to be far worse than the tests of others. But, a test is a test. They cause us to struggle a bit. We are drawn out of our comfort zone when testing comes. They are painful and often cause great suffering.
We grow in seasons of testing. It is then that God gets a look at what we are made of. There are discipline tests when we stray from God. When we disobey Him. Like a good Father, He finds us and brings us home. Draws us back to Him. Turns our face from things of the world and back to Him. Sometimes, we suffer trials at the hands of others. Persecutions. Then there are the attacks of satan.
~Thought For Today~
As he did with Job, satan wants to wag his finger in God’s face and declare God’s child is weak in faith. Needs a little testing to see if he or she can withstand what comes. If they can remain faithful in the fire. I think or rather hope that God knows our limits. We have all cried out, “Enough! I can’t take anymore!”
“The wave that distresses the ordinary swimmer produces in the surf-rider the super joy of going clean through it. Apply that to your own circumstances, these very things — tribulation, distress, persecution, produce in us the super-joy; they are not things to fight. We are more than conquerors, super-victors, with a joy we would not have but for the very things which look as if they are going to overwhelm us…The saint knows the joy of the Lord not in spite of tribulation, but because of it.” — Oswald Chambers
~Scripture For Today~
1 Peter 1:6-7
6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (NASB)
James 1:2-4
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (NASB)
2 Timothy 1:8
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, (NASB)
~Prayer For Today~
Hello Father! We pray for courage to keep moving toward You, through whatever trials are upon us. We seek to let our endurance bring us to a testimony of survival and deepening faith. Let us proclaim that though it was the worst of days, it was also the best of our days, for You were there with us through it all. Forgive us of our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
©2015 Kathy Ledbetter. All Rights Reserved.