What Test Are You Taking?

” Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1 

I’m reading a great book right now talking about various types of testing that occurs in our life.  The tests come from the enemy, Satan, but can be defeated with the help of God.  There is common testing, which occurs, for example, when we are stressed out about life in general.  Another type of testing is seasonal testing.  This one can easily be described as someone who has lost 20 pounds and finally feels like she has a handle on healthy eating habits. However, it is now Christmas season (you know, that period of time from Thanksgiving week through New Year’s week) and she is bombarded with a variety of delicacies that are only around once a year and so she has a choice to make.  The last type of testing is the hour of testing which usually happens at least once in everyone’s life, thanks to sin.  They are those monumental tests that occur, the ones that cause great suffering – a major car accident resulting in severe injury or death, divorce, major health crisis, separation from a child, etc.  (taken from Purging Your House, Pruning Your Family Tree).

The question is not will you be tested, but when.  Everyone will experience at least one of the above types of testing in their lives, sadly some more than their fair share, and others may have to repeat the same test several times until victory can be accomplished. 

“Each level of testing is initiated with darts and arrows sent to attack the mind and turn the heart from the Lord.  When trouble comes, we will either turn to God or turn away from Him.”

The real question is this: When the test comes, what are you going to choose? Will you take the chance and turn toward a Heavenly Father who loves you and only wants the best in your life, or will you choose to turn away from Him having to rely on your own strength to find victory during your greatest need?

I know, for myself personally, throughout the various tests I have faced in life so far, some of them being repeated because I have not yet found victory, without the ability to turn toward God, the testing process would be that much harder.  The more I rely on God’s help, the more peace I feel and the quicker the victory comes. 

Was it easy in the beginning? Absolutely not!  Faith is hard. Faith would not be faith if it was easy.  But was it worth it? Yes!

The tests that the enemy plans are personalized, individually created to target our own set of weaknesses, which is why, then, the choice of turning to God or away from Him is personal too.  I cannot pass your test for you, and you cannot pass my test for me.  But, there is a common denominator for all tests.  God is such a personal God that He wants to provide hope and individual help for all of us with each test that we are faced with.  However, He is such a gentleman that unless you ask, He will not force Himself into your life. 

So…what test are you taking in your life currently, and do you want the help of the One who has the answer sheet?