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Tests
Job lost his family and his fortune in a single day. But looking back he wrote, ‘When he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.’ It takes much more heat to refine gold than it does to refine a lot of less valuable metals. Which would you prefer to be? To enjoy the blessing God has in mind for us, we have to face life’s tests. In some buildings and workplaces, a routine fire alarm test happens. For a minute or so, the place is interrupted by the noisy alarm. And those tests are like the ones that come into our lives – unwelcome, uncomfortable, disruptive – and they always seem to come at the worst possible time. But unlike a fire alarm test, life’s tests don’t last for a very short time and then go away. They can last for weeks, years, and in some cases, for a lifetime. And the reason why may never become completely clear. However, there’s an aspect of life’s tests that we can control – how we respond to it. The truth is, tests are an invaluable, integral, and indispensable part of our spiritual growth. Without them we’ll never grow and mature as much as we need to. And it’s how we handle our ‘tests’ that decides our ‘testimony’. Paul wrote: ‘Every detail works to your advantage and to God’s glory: more and more grace…more and more praise! So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside…not a day goes by without his unfolding grace’ (2 Corinthians 4:15-16 MSG). Whenever we face tests, God will give us the grace and strength to handle them.
What Now?
Think back to some of the tests you’ve faced. Can you see how God helped you and taught you something through it? If not, ask Him to reveal what He wanted us to take from the experience.
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