When I was a kid, one of the most annoying frustrations was to be sitting in front of the television watching Saturday cartoons only to have the EBS break up my bliss and declare, “This is a test of the Emergency Broadcast System. This is only a test. In the event of a true emergency…”
That was probably one of the first tests of patience I had to overcome as a kid. Now that I’m an adult, the stakes are much higher. I have since learned there are always times of testing. Testing strengthens us for the trials ahead. Or, it can prepare us for promotion and greater responsibilities.
In this season of Lent, we observe the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness and His season of testing. If Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to be tested, we should not become as alarmed as we do when we are tested as well.
The most rigorous tests I’ve endured have allowed me to put other things in perspective. What I once would have viewed as major disruptions, I can dismiss as minor annoyances.
We can be tempted to acquire the things we want out of God’s timing. Satan tempted Jesus, but our Savior refuted him with Scripture.
People test us. The people we love usually test our patience, endurance, faithfulness, and commitment. Yet, these are the same traits we wrestle with in our relationship with God.
Testing is most trying when God is silent. Though He may be silent, God is always present. He supports us through our trials in ways we may never recognize, and He always provides a way out of temptation. It is up to us to recognize it.
As many of us observe Lent and may soon struggle to keep the commitments we have made, be encouraged.
It is only a test.
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.
Job 23: 10-11 NIV
B Is for Blessed! 
Although well past Lent, this is very relevant, Lilka. Thank you for sharing. It has been a tough year for me. The church I have been working with as lay pastor permanently closed this past May 29th.
The enemy was putting thoughts of failure in my mind. It has been a journey. I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. He is daily giving me the strength I need.
Thank you again for sharing. God bless. 🙏
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Carl, I am so sorry to hear this. Our testing times do eventually work out for our good even though quite painful in the process. What we perceive as failures are often God doing a new thing, things that we don’t yet have eyes to see. You served faithfully for your duration so that is hardly a failure. My thought is that in this pandemic, God is doing something new that will reach more people than the traditional methods we have become accustomed to. Replace each deceitful thought that comes from the enemy with the truth of God. Refute every lie with the Word. Christ most definitely has us and carries us through our difficult times. Better is on the way. Peace to you!
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Thank you so much for your kind words, Lilka. The truth of God’s Word will indeed overcome and defeat every lie of the enemy. God bless you. 🙏
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Yes, many tests these days. We just need to keep our faith, hold on to the end, and know He is all HE says He is
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I am still trying to decide what I want to do with my blog. I keep going back and forth between deleting it or keeping or going. Take care. Blessing to you as well.
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Hi Lilka, been a long time. Again. Hope you are doing well through all this past two years of craziness. And now with Ukraine. I was glad to read this Test post. I remember those ” This is a test…” times. And my husband and I are going through a test with our 18 year old granddaughter who we have tried to help twice since she was 16. We are having to cut her off now so she can “make her own decisions”, as she puts it. God will prevail during this test as He always does. I just hope we will prevail! Lol. Take care and have a good 2022.
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Greetings!
So good to hear from you. I think we have all been tested beyond measure these past few years! Keep praying (it works)! God can surely put His hand on your granddaughter and turn situations around even though it looks like NOTHING is changing for the better. I have seen this first hand time and time again.
I pray you are well and thanks for stopping by. Always appreciated. We will see if I can find my way back to WordPress more often 😉
Take care and B Blessed!
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