“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
I'm sure you've all been right in the middle of a television show and experienced that high-pitched alert sound from the Emergency Broadcast System. The quote goes something like this: "This is a test of the Emergency Broadcast System. If this had been an actual emergency, you would have been given further instruction..."
This test is required at least once a week to make sure that in case of a national emergency, the President of the United States is able to have a way of contacting American citizens immediately. In case of civil emergencies, war, or severe weather hazards this method would be used to notify us of dangers and procedures for our safety.
This is very similar to the testing we must endure as followers of Christ. We could be going about our normal lives when the test just pops up! We are guaranteed to go through several tests in our life. They are sent to teach us lessons about our faith, our spiritual strength, and to give us wisdom. The scripture reminds us of the benefits of testing.
“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.” (Hebrews 12:7) “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11).
These tests are for our benefit! No one WANTS to be tested, but that's how God directs us through life. That's how we become mature in our faith. During our tests, we learn to fall on our knees and ask Him for direction. Just like the Emergency Broadcasting System, in the event of a real emergency the American people are given instruction. When we have a spiritual test, God will give us direction if we are tuned in to Him.
Just think about this for a moment. Everything that we use in our daily lives had to be tested before it was marketable. Our appliances, cars, medicines, foods, baby supplies, etc. Nothing can be put on the market until it passes the tests! The same thing goes for us. God can't use us to bring others to Him unless we have been tested. How can you witness to someone who is hurting if you never felt that heartache? How can you comfort someone if you've never been alone? You have to know how to overcome before you can help someone else. This is the purpose of tests.
The next time you are going through a rough patch, ask God to show you the lesson in it so that you can use that lesson for His glory by helping someone else. This journey is not all about you, it's about sharing God's love with the world. You can prepare for your tests by reading His word daily and building a close relationship with Him. But remember, even then, there will still be those "pop-quizzes" that you may not be prepared for. Trust and believe that God will never leave you alone. He is with you all the way. Hold on to your faith and know that the battle is already won!
"Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock! He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good." (Deuteronomy 8:15-16)
Testing always produces goodness! Purity of heart reveals true intentions which allow the Lord to continually bless those who prove to be righteous. Every righteous and faithful person who endured and made it through the test reached their promise and then some more was added. Job was blessed more after the test than in the beginning. (Job 42:12)
Abraham was asked to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Abraham was given a ram in replace of his child when it was clear he still loved God more than his blessing. (Genesis 22:1-3) Not only did Abraham become the father of many nations but he is also the father of faith. God tests our faithfulness so when we reach our promise then we can enter in.
(Exodus 15:24-26) Although like the Israelites, some will never make it in. If you desire God Promises…all of them…then you must first desire His Heart. You cannot obtain the Heart of God without total righteousness that will survive any test and still bless the Name of the Lord!
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the tests that you give to make me stronger and wiser for your Glory. Lord, please give me the discernment I need to recognize tests when they come my way. Help me to pass my tests the first time so that I won't have to go through them again. Remind me to spend time in Your presence daily so that You can impart to me the wisdom and strength I need to do Your will. Thank You that as I cooperate with Your Spirit, I will pass my tests and receive all the blessings You have in store for me! In Jesus' name, Amen.
This is only a test!
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