Friday, June 29, 2012

MY WORD FOR JUNE 30TH IS TEST!


My word for June 30th is TEST

Lauren began nursing school two weeks after she graduated from the University of Arkansas.  She ventured straight from one goal to another.  At nursing school, all of the classes are in-group segments, each segment lasting 4- 5 weeks.  She completed her first round and did great.  Of course she wouldn’t want me to brag on her, but she is naturally smart.  She studies like she isn’t, but she is.  I decided that after her last test I would drive over and take her to dinner.  When I got there I asked her about her test, the format, was it easy, was it difficult, etc.  I am always amazed at Laurens thinking, but I want to share her response.  Lauren said that her friends always are teasing her on how long it takes her to finish her test, but this is why.  Before she begins every test she never clicks the start button until she prays.  She prays that God gives her the patience to read every word on the test and that she has the knowledge to answer every question correctly.  She said that if she hasn’t studied like she should have she never asks for a good grade, because it is her fault that she isn’t prepared, not the Lord’s. 

We are all tested in our lives.  It may not be an educational test; it may be a life test.  Tests are presented to us in many forms.  They are all just that, a test.  A test of our knowledge to pass or a test to see if we are at a different level in our lives.  No matter what, most tests are difficult.  They challenge us.  Tests bring out what is in us.  Tests show whether we have comprehended the material that has been taught.    They show what is in us, what we are made of.  Tests let us know about ourselves and what we are capable of doing.  God wants to see how we react when we are tested.  Will we be impatient and break under pressure?  Or will we go to God and be patience and endure the test?  When we take educational tests we have books to study from, with life tests we have God’s instruction book, the bible, to study from.  When we are tested it is for our benefit.  It is for us to see how much we know or are we ready for the next life venture.  Testing is necessary and beneficial for everyone.  God doesn’t test us to hurt us; He tests us so we will know if we are ready for responsibility.  God’s tests aren’t like the trials of the devil and temptation, God’s test is to see if we will act on His word and trust Him. 

Receive tests and trials with joy; this is God working on us to strengthen our faith.  When we are hit by the storms of life don’t run, find safety in the storm shelter of God.  Through God’s word we can with stand whatever test comes our way.  We can pass any test if we have faith in the Lord. 

James 1:2-4 New International Version (NIV)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Dear Lord thank You for the good things that happen in our lives, but also thank You for the tests.  Please give us guidance and direction.  Help us to know where we need to go and what we need to do.  Refine us by guiding us through your book of knowledge.  Give us courage as we walk through the trials of life refining us and purifying our hearts.  During 2012 we pray that we learn from Your tests of life, strengthening us in faith. 




http://www.getchristiananswers.com/articles/does-god-test-us  Get Christian Answers, Bible Answers, DOES GOD TEST US?

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