Wednesday, April 6, 2022

When the TEST Comes

 

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

But thank God!  He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.  1 Corinthians 15:57

This picture came to me via a Facebook post a friend shared.  It expresses one of the verities I’ve come to lean on in following Jesus: 

·       God doesn’t allow a test to find out if I can stand it;

God allows tests so I will know HE will keep me standing through anything!

Funny thing about tests…many people confuse temptation with testing.  The truth is they couldn’t be further apart than East and West.  So let’s do a little definition work here: 

·       What is a temptation?  It is Satan’s attempt to make you FALL

·       What is a test?  It is God’s activity to help you stand TALL

There is plenty of Scripture to back up this difference between the Hellish motives of Satan, and the Heavenly providence of God’s loving care:

And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.”  God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.  Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.  These desires give birth to sinful actions.  And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.  James 1:13-15

“Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!”  Exodus 20:20

So victory in Jesus Christ is a matter of surrendering to the will of an Almighty, and entirely loving God who wants us to succeed in our surrender.  The test, when it comes, is another brick in that road paved with difficulties, joys, failures, miracles, and whatever else God is using to build His warriors.

For You Today

If you’re facing some stuff today that seems to threaten, feels like a burden, pushing you into a corner of decision…do not give up…rather, surrender!  Surrender to His everlasting arms one more time…and behold the salvation of your God.  On the other side of the test lies the crown of  glory.

You chew on that as you hit the Rocky Road; have a blessed day!  

[1] Title image: God's Glory (on Facebook) April 2, 2022   Unless noted, Scripture quoted from The New Living Translation©   

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