This is a Test
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
“This is a test,” words that can create fear and panic in any school child at anytime. Even those of us who have been out of school for many years still sit up when we hear the words, “This is a test.” I am just such a person.
“Yes, I usually did not look forward to tests. I had a bad habit of waiting to the last minute to review and study for the test. Sometimes it worked to my advantage. I found that if I reviewed my work right before I feel asleep, my mind would replay the review over and over through the night. I would awake with the test review embedded into my mind. However, there were times when that technique failed me – like when I feel asleep half-way through the review and floundered on the end of the test. On days that I had the information down, I couldn’t wait to hear the words, “This is a test.” For the better part of my school career, however, tests filled me with anxious moments.
There were certain tests I looked forward to taking – Fire Drills, Tornado Drills and Atomic Bomb Drills were the best tests I had in grade school. Fire Drills were announced by the blare of the fire horn startling us out of the classroom – urging us to action – and promising a time outdoors. Yes, I looked forward to Fire Drills.
Tornado Drills meant we had to sit on our knees in the hallway, duck our heads and cover them with our arms. Tornado drills were not as fun as the awesome Fire Drill, for we had to be very still and very quiet for the Tornado drill, but we could move outdoors for the Fire Drill.
The Atomic Bomb Drill was very similar to the Tornado drill, except we had to duck and cover under our desks, with our backs to the large plate glass windows. It was exciting to us to know that we would be safe from the A-Bomb in our classroom. Many anxious moments were spent talking about how our Moms and Dads would stay safe, not having a desk to duck under.
Every test I faced in my school years was designed with one purpose – to prepare me for my life’s purpose – either by knowledge or by keeping me safe.
I am still getting tests. God allows trials, tests, to come at me. I am tested with finance issues, work issues, health issues, family issues, relationship issues, and the tests go on. Every day my faith is assaulted by trials – tests. I cry out against God, “Lord, Why?” He answers, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
What is so totally awesome about the tests that God allows is that He has already given me the answers! Jesus has been tested in all things and has paid the price – has persevered – for me. The faith in Christ that God gives through the Holy Spirit passes all tests. That is awesome. All I have to do is trust – be mature – not reject the answer!
Prayer – Thank you God for my trials – my test. Amen.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
“This is a test,” words that can create fear and panic in any school child at anytime. Even those of us who have been out of school for many years still sit up when we hear the words, “This is a test.” I am just such a person.
“Yes, I usually did not look forward to tests. I had a bad habit of waiting to the last minute to review and study for the test. Sometimes it worked to my advantage. I found that if I reviewed my work right before I feel asleep, my mind would replay the review over and over through the night. I would awake with the test review embedded into my mind. However, there were times when that technique failed me – like when I feel asleep half-way through the review and floundered on the end of the test. On days that I had the information down, I couldn’t wait to hear the words, “This is a test.” For the better part of my school career, however, tests filled me with anxious moments.
There were certain tests I looked forward to taking – Fire Drills, Tornado Drills and Atomic Bomb Drills were the best tests I had in grade school. Fire Drills were announced by the blare of the fire horn startling us out of the classroom – urging us to action – and promising a time outdoors. Yes, I looked forward to Fire Drills.
Tornado Drills meant we had to sit on our knees in the hallway, duck our heads and cover them with our arms. Tornado drills were not as fun as the awesome Fire Drill, for we had to be very still and very quiet for the Tornado drill, but we could move outdoors for the Fire Drill.
The Atomic Bomb Drill was very similar to the Tornado drill, except we had to duck and cover under our desks, with our backs to the large plate glass windows. It was exciting to us to know that we would be safe from the A-Bomb in our classroom. Many anxious moments were spent talking about how our Moms and Dads would stay safe, not having a desk to duck under.
Every test I faced in my school years was designed with one purpose – to prepare me for my life’s purpose – either by knowledge or by keeping me safe.
I am still getting tests. God allows trials, tests, to come at me. I am tested with finance issues, work issues, health issues, family issues, relationship issues, and the tests go on. Every day my faith is assaulted by trials – tests. I cry out against God, “Lord, Why?” He answers, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
What is so totally awesome about the tests that God allows is that He has already given me the answers! Jesus has been tested in all things and has paid the price – has persevered – for me. The faith in Christ that God gives through the Holy Spirit passes all tests. That is awesome. All I have to do is trust – be mature – not reject the answer!
Prayer – Thank you God for my trials – my test. Amen.