Christian Living

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This is only a test...

Have you ever been watching TV or listening to the radio only to have a series of irritating beeps sound and an announcer say, "This is only a test."

Is your stomach churning with anxiety? Is your head hurting? Your heart? Does nothing seem to be going right? You don't understand why this particular situation is happening. Did you know that sometimes God says to us, "This is only a test?"

What's the reason for these tests? Have you recently said to God, "Use me, Lord." Guess what? He can't use you until He grows you up. Then we have to be tested on what we've learned so that we can see what we're really made of.

During times of testing, tribulations, and hard times are we complaining? Questioning? Doubting? Patience, a good attitude, hope, expectancy - that's what God is looking for. He has to be able to trust us with the ministry we've asked Him to give us. He can't do that if we're spiritual babes who aren't rooted and grounded in Him and aren't really believing and trusting Him.

The book of Job sheds some light on this subject. Listen to Job 36:13 (Amp.) but the godless and profane in heart heap up anger (at the divine discipline); they do not cry to Him when He binds them (with cords of affliction). Or what about Job 33:13 (Amp.) Why do you contend against Him? For He does not give account of any of His actions. (Sufficient for us it should be to know that it is He Who does them.) Job 5:17 (Amp.) Happy and fortunate is the man whom God reproves; so do not despise or reject the correction of the Almighty (subjecting you to trial and suffering). Suffering? From God? Is He some madman out to get us? According to Job 23:10 (NKJV) He has a plan - But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. James 1:12 (Amp.) about sums it up: Blessed, (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive (the victor's crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.

Sound like God knows what He's doing. Like Jesus, it would do us well to respond with, "Nevertheless, not my will, but Thine be done."

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