Life is funny, isn’t it? So very often we are faced with the same things over and over. We just got through something that was difficult and we tried to maneuver our way through the journey, finding, perhaps, a few tripped up spots along the path. Maybe we didn’t handle an issue so well, or perhaps we said something that was just plain stupid. Maybe we snapped back at someone and lacked patience. Or perhaps we took something the wrong way and ended up bitter or resentful.
Do you know what I call these times? I call them our tests. [callout]As the years have gone by, I realize more and more, that God will present me with a task that He wants me to learn about, embrace, and walk confidently by His side, assured that He will give us wisdom. [/callout]
But we don’t always walk with wisdom. At times I find myself running in front of God (and at quite a distance I might add!) thinking that I know what’s best for me, for others and at times … for my relationship with God. Ugh. That’s all I can say is … ugh.
Here’s what happens …God has a do over. He says, “Oh, I’m sorry, Kathy. That was a 75% and you’ll need at least a 97% to pass the test and move on.” And I wait. And I watch. And then I see the same elements coming back in my pathway, and I’m walking through the same kind of test again.
I’ve walked through tests of courage. Will I be afraid?
I’ve walked through tests of anger. Will I display self-control?
I’ve walked through tests of patience. Will I endure?
I’ve walked through tests of loss. Will I be patient?
I’ve walked through tests of betrayal. Will I be bitter?
Over the past two weeks, my household has been praying without ceasing for our youngest daughter, Jenessa, and our middle daughter, Chandra. They have both been taking difficult tests and boards for their degrees. Both of them suffer from test anxiety. They will call me in a panic and tell me, “If I don’t pass, I have to take it over! And then I’ll be behind and it will be the worst!!!”
Sometimes it really is the worst when you take a test, fail it, and then find yourself in front of it again. That test begins to feel larger than life.
But here’s what I’ve found out about God and passing the tests of life:
- He’s in it with you.
- He wants you to succeed.
- The tests always serve a purpose.
- Once you pass, you can help others pass their tests.
- The tests make us stronger. They are faith-stretching, mind-building, and maturity growing.
What kinds of tests are you up against this month? Whatever it is, God will walk through it with you. Trust Him. Lean into His power and might. You’ll be a better person when you pass the test.
“For I am the Lord, Your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’” Isaiah 41:13