“Every detail works to your advantage and to God’s glory.” 2 Corinthians 4.15 The Message
“It is the tests that refine and define your testimony.”
My thoughts today are about “tests and testimonies.”
Every time the Academy or Preschool has their required monthly fire drill, I am annoyed. Even though I am advised of the day and time and expecting it to happen, it annoys me when it does. This test of our readiness should a real emergency occur always comes at the most inopportune time, and is an unwelcome interruption. Tests are always that way. You know they are coming; you just don’t know what or when. Life is like that. Get used to it.
Yes, the fire drill is over in a few moments, then responsibilities and routines quickly return to normal, but life’s trials are rarely that way. Occasionally, you may wonder if your life will ever be “normal” again. You can’t predict them; you can’t prevent them; and you can’t conclude them. Some are brief, most longer than you wish.
A couple of observations: you can’t change the test, but you can control your response. And trials are invaluable for your Christian growth. I think your response changes when you understand the latter, the test “works to your advantage and to God’s glory: more and more grace . . . more and more praise. So we are not giving up . . God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace.” 2 Corinthians. 4:15-18 The Message.
The test will be for your good. God promises. Romans 8.28. “For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:3-4 NLT. Your objective in any test is not how quickly you can get out of it, but how well you proceed through it, and how much you learn about God and yourself during it.
When a test comes, you can react, resist, resent, or respond. Only the latter is profitable to you. The choice is always yours, and the result depends upon your choice. “When all kinds of trials crowd into your life, don’t resent them as intruders. Welcome them as friends.” James 1:2 JB Phillips.
God uses each test to write a new chapter into your testimony. God will not let the test be the extent or end of your story. He will not let a single thing you experience be wasted. Your tests become the power of your testimony of the sufficiency and constancy of His abundant grace – that brings more and more people to Christ. “All of these things are for your benefit. And as God’s grace brings more and more people to Christ, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.” 2 Corinthians 4:15 NLT.
My prayer for you today is: make the best of the bad and watch God turn it to your good.