May 3, 2022
No one likes taking tests. If you do, you're an anomaly
(and might need prayer)! The average person doesn't like
taking any tests: driving tests, heart tests, COVID tests, or ACT
tests. The truth is, there are some folks, maybe even you,
who suffer from extreme anxiety whenever the possibility of
taking a test arises.
However, even though there is a certain amount of disdain for
testing, we all agree that testing is essential. For example,
you are getting ready for a major surgery. You can approach
your operation with confidence if you know that your surgeon has
passed all of their tests. Oh, and not just passed, but was
an "A" student. If we have a choice, we want an "A" student
cutting us open and not a "C" student!
Let's say you are getting on an airplane for a big trip. As
you board the plane you want your pilot to be in the top of his or
her class. You want to have confidence that they passed all
the testing and didn't skip one requirement. It's not very
comforting to think that your pilot got an "A" in take offs, but
got a "D" in landings! We not only care about tests, but all
agree they are essential. We just don't like to take tests
when it comes to our everyday, personal lives.
God cares about you, more then you care about you. God is
all in, on your maturity and character development. As the
saying goes, God cares more about your character then
your comfort. Most of us, unfortunately, flip the
order around.
However, with character development comes...testing. In fact
James says:
"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." ~ James 1:2-3
James says, "trials of many kinds"; there are a variety of
obstacles, hardships and tests we will face on our journey of
following Jesus. Yet, they are there for a reason.
According to James, those tests move us towards maturity.
Most Christians don't have a maturity plan laid out for their
lives. Thankfully God does! He will take whatever
obstacle comes our way and provide us with the skill and resources
to not only make our way through it, but in so doing--mature.
So how can a Christian embrace the hardships of life and mature in
faith? That's the question we will answer this episdoe of All
Day, Every Day. Don't miss it!