This is only a test...

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.~James 1:2-3

I am that student who some kids would tease.  I would complete assignments days and sometimes weeks ahead of the assigned due date.  I listened in class, did my fair share of talking too, but I was studious.  I liked to get things right and liked to do things right the first time.  Failing on test was not an option for me.   My grades mattered to me because at the time they defined my worth.  They showed me, and others, what I was made of.  

Now, I am facing a different type of test.  One that is of way more consequence than those I have taken inside a classroom.  I am facing a test of faith, but here’s the thing. While, I might not have been able to prepare for every twist and turn,  God in His infinite wisdom has giving me everything I need to succeed.  The struggles I am facing and the unknown about my future, is only a test.  A test given,not to show others what I made of, but rather a means of proving Who He is and who I am in Christ Jesus. Failure is not an option because He does not fail!

It is easy to shout praises to God when your world is right side up. Quiet times in His presence is like a romantic movie where every scene just fills your heart with joy and hope. You walk in confidence because you think you know all the answers.  You are not afraid of the dark because you walk in the Light.  But what about those times when the questions on the test don’t look like anything you’ve studied?  The questions are more complex and you can’t just use logic to elimate answer choices.  This is the type of test where you have to dig deep and rely on what you have learned from the Master Teacher.  You have to look beyond what your eyes can see and have faith. You have to trust in the Word that has been given you, believing it to be true.  Knowing that His word never fails ( Luke 1:37)and is always the answer.

You do the best you can.  You pray for wisdom to make the right choices ( James 1:5).  You remember the lessons you have already learned and trust God to give you the strength to endure.  You step back and realize the beauty and blessing of the test and what it signifies.  I have advanced test because I am no longer on the same level.  I am growning in my understanding and being strengthened in my walk.  I would never know this without the test.  I would never know just how good He is without the struggle.  The trial of my faith is only a test and because He is the author and finisher of my faith I will endure (Hebrews 12:2),  I will pass this test too.

By no means am I dismissing the hardship that this test brings.  I am uncomfortable at times.  Like most people, I struggle with having an uneasy heart because I can’t see what lies ahead.  I have no idea of what the next question will be.  But I do know that God is with me.  I do know the His word is true.  I do know that I have to walk by faith and not by sight ( 2 Corinthians 5:7). I do know that He is God and He is good.  This is only a test and I trust His process of preparing me for the next step,

Father, I look to You the give me what I need to endure this test.  Increase my faith and strength as I trust in You.  Guide my steps by the light of your Word.  Stay with me as I stay with You.  In Jesus name. Amen