When you reminisce over past school days, you can most likely pinpoint the apprehension and nervousness you experienced before taking a test. Tests can either make or break you in the future of your schooling. Some tests counted toward a big percentage of your final grade. In order to pass that class, you had to pass the test. Comparatively, some tests we have to pass and endure to reach the next season of our lives. Tests will remind us of God’s power, assist us into a new phase or help to strengthen us in particular areas of our faith. If you find yourself struggling to pass the tests of life, you can trace God’s tests throughout the Bible. Abraham had to endure the ultimate test by sacrificing his only child. Before he lost everything, Job’s faith was tested. We can see how God tested His disciples and followers.
Tests are never easy. God is going to require you to go through something in order to gain exactly what you need. Usually we struggle with understanding the tests that we are in the middle of. In those moments when our faith wavers, be still and know that He is God. Unlike the physical tests we took in our schools days, the tests of life will happen when you least expect them. In school, the teacher would let you know in advance when a test was going to happen; subsequently, you would have time to study and prepare. When it is God’s timing for a test to come in to fruition, it has no timetable. It can happen in the best of times or the worst of times. Nevertheless, we can be assured that during the test God will never leave your side. He is walking with you. Furthermore, God has already prepared you for this moment. You have all of the tools necessary to pass this test: lean to prayer, discernment and the word as guides to help you. Trust God—He will never lead you where His guidance will not follow.
Tests are meant for our good. Challenges are made for us to grow in Him. Start thinking of tests as an opportunity to completely and totally trust God. Maybe the test you are currently going through will help you to depend on God. Maybe this test is there for you to learn to decipher the voice of God. Perhaps this test is the breaking moment before God gives you the blessing you have been praying for. Tests are here for your preparation. God will never lead you into a new territory without preparing and equipping you. There is information that you need to know in this test. God is often showing you a new side of His glory that you have not seen yet. He is using this test as a chance for you to become acquainted with His grace in a fresh perspective. There are important things that you need before moving forward in your new season that can only be uncovered by going through this test. Whatever your test may look like this season—stay the course. You would not walk out in the middle of an examination during school, so why would you quit in the middle of the test you are enduring now? Even if you feel like you are failing the test, you keep going. Finish strong. Passing the test you are in right now will be difficult, but the reward will be worth every tear, restless night, and torment of life. God is for you. He designed the test specifically for you. Why would you not trust Him? He is guiding you through the test.
“But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” -Job 23:10
“For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” -James 1:3
“So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 1:7
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