None of us willingly raise our hands to go through a testing period of life. At least in most cases, we avoid the discomfort of these times. Seasons that provoke, cause unrest, and challenge us to operate in new territory are not fun. But the “tests” highlight the areas that haven’t been learned yet, or need to be relearned. They also move us into active submission toward the Lord if we allow them to. We are told in scripture to:
“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 (emphasis added)
When I was in elementary school, I had an immature relationship with homework, studying and tests. Often I was having to learn things that were of little interest to me and spend time doing homework when I had plenty of other interests that called for my attention and time. When it came time for the tests, I had so much anxiety and negative energy toward them. This continued through middle school, and I was an average student with average grades.
However, when I got to high school, something clicked for me as I was maturing. I found that I wanted to be a good student, and so I decided to be and I applied myself. I paid attention and took notes in class, which also led me to discover that I actually enjoyed school. I was growing in knowledge and self-respect; and when it came time for the tests, for the most part I had confidence that I would do well.
When I got through the tests, I could reflect on all I had done to prepare and know that they were reflections of growth in my academic life and the discipline I had embraced. This mentality carried me all the way through college. Of course, there were some tests along the way that were more difficult than others, and some that led to more bouts of anxiety than others; but overall I became a confident student that continued to excel and grow.
Spiritual testing is similar. When we understand that the purpose of testing is to produce in us character traits that need refinement and maturing, we can see them through the lens of God's goodness and love. He longs for us to mature and be complete in Him. This is what leads to the abundant life we are promised in Scripture. Yet, it can seem as though God is silent in these times and we are alone in the trial. If we choose a limited view and see seasons of testing as lacking purpose, we tend to grow in resentment toward God and will never flourish the way that He intends us to.
Did you ever notice in school that the teacher never talked or lectured during the test-taking period? It was silent in the room, and you needed to pull from what was inside you to make it through the test.
I’m reminded that the seasons of spiritual testing in my life are when I asked, “Lord, where are you?” I ached and longed for Him to speak in those times. What this caused me to do was rely on what I believed about Him and to press in closer. I had to pull from what had been cultivated previously in my heart. I also sought the Lord even in His seeming silence, and it created in me a perseverance and endurance to withstand the test. This is the goodness of God.
Many of the tests fostered a unique trust toward the Lord that I’m not certain would be there without it being cultivated in a time of trial. Why? Because He is faithful. He makes beauty from seeming disaster. He brings light into darkness. He is a Good Father that nurtures His children into maturation. I know when I face something that He is on the other end with a purpose in all of it. I am able to come into those times now with a deeper assurance that despite circumstances, God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good!
Graham Cooke says that “Every problem has a promise attached to it.” He also says when faced with tests, “Instead of asking God ‘Why?’, ask the better question ‘Lord, what are you doing, what does this mean?’ “ This keeps our heart posture in a place that recognizes the testing is for our good.
I have sons that played collegiate football, and let me tell you, it is not for the faint of heart. There is so much on the line with each and every game. Coaches' jobs, revenue for the school, fan support, not to mention player favorability and future playtime opportunities. The time and preparation that goes into readiness for games throughout the entire year is unending. Then, finally the tests come to see how equipped they are to endure and win.
Some games have resulted in amazing victories, and others resulted in profound losses. However, something is gleaned from each game. They reveal strengths and weaknesses that help the team course correct and become better. Yet again, this all comes down to the heart attitude to not let pride or resentment for the challenge get in the way of progress.
Famously stated, you can either become better or bitter.
Loved Ones, much of our experience in life comes down to what we believe about God and who He is. If we know Him and His nature as a faithful, Loving Father that is for us, we can endure the tests of life.
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him”
James 1:12 (ESV)
Your Friend,
Rachel
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