One of the first phrases we learned in Mrs. Weinberg's 7th grade Spanish
class was "porque tenemos tantas pruebas?" Why do we have so many tests? And
looking back, I don't remember the answer, which may have been one of the test
questions. But life is full of tests. We test for jobs, in schools, for our
licenses, and our love for our spouse is tested daily. We take the Pepsi
challenge, really a test of our taste buds, and we test our patience with our
lap tops. It seems Mickey D's is always testing some new McSomething on us, and
if you are a parent, your kids will test everything you have, and some things
you don't. See what I mean? That wasn't a test question.
And if we happen to pass the test before us, more advanced tests await us.
Seems there is always someone who is willing to embarrass us, or at least prove
to be superior to us. Another test. It's called pride. Just like the wise guy
who told us "you're only as good as your last game." How many people have been
robbed of the joy of victory by that lousy comment. " Back, back, back,
back"-that's just where I wish he would go!
I have found the opposite of testing is trusting. I trust my motorcycle
will start when I push the starter button. No one I know has ever tested the
system by leaving the key on all night. Or maybe that is how Lucas tests their
electrical components. We don't test our riding skills by riding way too fast
for a situation-if you do you already know the results of that test. We don't
test the accuracy of the cashier by mocking her when giving change, and we don't
test the doctor by making him prove his diagnosis. We trust them, and when our
trust is broken, take steps to see it doesn't happen again. Thus the phrase
"first time your fault, second time mine " was born. No one ever asks about the
third time. Tests are everywhere, and can be unexpected, and when we need them
the least.
So the question is with God, is He testing you, or are you trusting Him? I
get irritated anymore by those who are ready to place the blame for something
they don't like on God, or even Satan. They look at every hardship or problem
as a test, as if God if making them pass an exam before He will bless them. And
they are wrong, and under the curse of a lie from Satan. Do you really want a
simple answer to this? Can you handle the truth? Here goes-these situations
are allowed by God because He loves you, and wants to show you His love in
them. So for those who don't get it, it will be a test. But to those who walk
with God, it is a chance to trust Him. To look to Jesus in the situation, and
let Him handle it. Testing of the spirits is different, which is for another
discussion. This is all about your relationship with Christ. Do you trust
Him?
You see tests are all about us, and what we need to do. Trust is all about
Jesus, and what He has done. It is His showing us the promises He made long
ago, and then showing His love and truth by taking care of the situation. God
doesn't need to be tested-base on being God should be enough. And if He can
save our souls, cannot He deal with our finances? Our jobs? Our motorcycles?
Even our relationship with Him is based on trust! And the more the trust, the
more the blessings. The more the blessings, the closer to God you get. Didn't
we all pray that at one time? And how better to know when a false teacher
comes, than by knowing God, and His word. As I channel surfed the other night
and listened to this preacher tell his audience if you only send him money, God
will provide you a new car every year-for the rest of your life! Noticed he
didn't say he would, he lied about God! So be as wise a this serpent, but
gentle as a lamb-Jesus.
One final test-required of all who ever have been on earth. A simple
question, and it is open book, with the question and the answer provided. The
wonderful counselor even provides the answer. The question is the same one that
Jesus asked His disciples-who do you say Jesus is? The correct answer is the
messiah, the Christ, son of the living God-God Himself. Any other answer is
wrong, and failing means hell. Even if you don't believe in it-so beware of
Jehovah's Witnesses, they are neither of God, and are not a witness of Him.
Jesus Christ is alive and well. They fail the test.
So why do we have so many tests? In English this time-an opportunity for
God to show us His love in every situation we face. To allow us to trust Him,
so He can bless us. So we can enjoy a deeper relationship with Him-forever.
Did you ever think the reason you have so many tests is because you just don't
trust Him?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot