I believe tests come from the Almighty while temptations come from the devil. I’m pretty sure God’s intent is to test you, but it is not necessarily His desire to break you. Triumph over these kinds of pop quizzes in life gives us the practical experience that turns into sincere testimony. Without them, we would not be able to testify about God’s goodness and mercy. We wouldn’t be able to acknowledge Him as the reason we got through any of it.
I can relate to the trials and turmoil of someone else catching what appears to be hell here on earth. No one is immune to this. As a matter of fact, I am struggling with the notion that it is a privilege to be singled out by God to endure certain hardships. It is at times difficult, but becomes one’s obligation to declare, “I am here today as a witness to the mercy, kindness and grace of the Almighty.”
When it appears that all doors are closed and all options have run out, that is the perfect time to look for and depend on God for the answers that you need, even if they don’t appear to be the answers that you want. There is a ram in the bush for every situation, but we have to be certain in our faith that through even mustard seed-sized faith, mountains can be moved.
You’ve got to believe God will not abandon you. In our darkest hours and worst nights, He is there with us. I know this because I’ve had what I knew was “my worst day ever,” and several “nothing can get any worse than this” moments, only to survive to battle the enemy yet another day. God was with me then, and dare I say He is with you now no matter the impossible of circumstance.
You’ve got to find peace in this because there is trouble ahead just as there was trouble back in the day. Yeah, but back then you didn’t know, as I didn’t, that the fight was fixed. We both have an unstoppable teammate.
For those who might be wondering where I’m getting this from, there is scripture that captures the essence of this. Turn your bibles to 1 Corinthians 10:12-13. “So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall. No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But, when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
There is a ram somewhere. God provides it through His grace not your effort. Our job is to hold onto our faith, know it’s there, listen and keep our eyes and hearts open. Once you submit to the fact that it ain’t up to you, then you will be privileged to open the door to God’s solution.
