A weed is no more than a flower in disguise.
James Russell Lowell
The other day a friend of mine said that she doesn't like the idea of God testing us. She said that she doesn't think He has time to sit around thinking of things to throw our way with which to test our mettle. I asked her if she thought God had time to watch over us and send good things our way. "Well, of course," was her reply. I asked her why she thought He had time for that but not time to test us. All I got was a puzzled glance. She admitted that she just didn't really like the idea of a God who would test our faithfulness. "I just don't like the word test," she said. I suggested that maybe God challenges us to make the right choices and in doing so, helps us to become better people. She decided that she could live with an occasional challenge from above more easily than she could a test. The whole idea of challenges from God got me thinking about how everything, from little challenges to major hurdles, is really a blessing in disguise - like James Russell Lowell's thoughts about weeds and flowers. I've made more than my fair share of wrong choices in what were surely tests from God , but I'm learning to make the right choices much more often.
Everything God allows in our lives is to conform us to the likeness of his Son Jesus. Do you think God allowed suffering and even temptations in Christ life when he was on earth. The answer is of course yes. The Bible says He was tempted in every way just as we are, but he didn't sin. (Heb. 4:15) Also, Romans 8:18 tells us that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us. In other words, just wait and hang on baby, because your socks will be knocked off when you see glory.
ReplyDeleteHe knows the way that I take and when He has tried me I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10
Also, Psalm 26:2 Test me and try me O Lord. Examine my heart and mind.
Of course there it the entire book of Job.
Sorry my mind is zinging a 100 different directions.
I could go on and on with this subject, it's a good thing to meditate on. I love discussions like this. I just try and be careful about what I think and always go to God's word for the truth.
Thanks for sharing your conversation.
♥ Joy
Hello Dawn! :)
ReplyDeleteI too don't like to be tested. I do think it is interesting that God could be sitting up in Heaven thinking of how to "test" us. I was a 4.0 grade college student in most of my classes, so in real life I will be happy to just pass.
Yoli