A Test Giver
#23in the Series: My Daddy Is…
“Good
morning students! Please take out a
piece of paper. Number it to 10. We are having a pop quiz!” You remember those days when the class gave
a collective groan and you obediently numbered your paper.
What
teacher is there that does not give some form of test, at least once in a
while? I taught middle school for 7
years before I became a horsemanship instructor. Although the tests at the school were more
formal, even in teaching horsemanship I often evaluated my students. Though it was less formal, it was for both
their benefit and mine. Testing provided
me a basis from which to teach and a yardstick by which the students could
measure themselves. Sometimes they
needed a pat on the back for a lesson well learned. Sometimes they needed a kick in the seat of
their pants for failing to put into practice what they “learned.”
God also tests us…he does not tempt us. “For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor
does he tempt anyone.” (James 1:13 NIV) Often what we learn
through the test is that He is faithful. He brings us through by strengthening
us and as a result we grow—a little more—into his likeness and character. Do not groan about the test you are in. It can bring you the reward of abundant
life, if you will let it.
Meditate
on these scriptures and learn how to recognize and respond to the Lord’s
testing.
“Consider it pure joy, my
brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know
that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish
its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4 NIV
““I the Lord search the heart
and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct,
according to what their deeds deserve.””
Jeremiah 17:10 NIV
“The crucible for silver and
the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.”
Proverbs 17:3 NIV
“When Jesus looked up and saw a
great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread
for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had
in mind what he was going to do.”
John 6:5-6 NIV
“For your ways are in full view
of the Lord, and he examines all your paths.”
Proverbs 5:21 NIV
- Now…pray and ask
Holy Spirit to highlight something from this post and to teach you.
(Perhaps he already highlighted something as you were reading!). Close
your eyes and be silent before him for a minute or two...or more. Breathe in Holy Spirit. (Yes, actually inhale.) Listen.
Open your eyes and peruse the post. What does your eye see or your ear
hear? Write it in your journal.
- Why does it seem
important? You could even
ask: Father/Jesus/Holy Spirit, why
have you brought this to my attention?
Write the answer in your journal.
(The answer may be a question…an I wonder. Allow Holy Spirit to direct your
thoughts.)
- Make it a
prayer. Pray the scripture (and
it’s insights, questions, or comments) back to the Father. Write this in your journal.
- How are you going
to be different after this experience with God? What does he want you to be or do as a
result? If you are not sure, ask
him. Write this in your
journal.
I look forward to
this journey with you! Onward to
freedom for your mustang heart!
P.S. I cherish your comments below and emails at: joyfullcoyote@gmail.com.
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Be blessed today!
