This Is a Test

I'm not very fond of tests.  In fact, I really quite dislike those surveys that have a scale of say, 1 to 5.  The instructions tell you to mark 1 if you strongly agree or 5 if you strongly disagree.  I am so bad at those!  If I was allowed to I would mark 3's on all of the questions. 

I did fine on tests growing up--as long as I knew what to study.  I didn't enjoy them, but I didn't usually get freaked out by them, either.  Math tests were more cut and dry.  If you knew how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide, you would do fine--as long as you checked your answers.  If you knew all of the formulas for finding perimeter, area, circumference, etc. you would do fine, too.  Essay tests were more tricky.  Did I say enough?  Did I answer all of the questions thoroughly enough?  Did I forget some crucial detail?  Also not a favorite. 

Driving tests.  Do I need to even address these?  Nerve-wracking, also tricky, and quite subjective (the behind-the-wheel one, not the computerized one).  I passed my behind-the-wheel test by the skin of my teeth!

There's another kind of test that we don't like to talk about very much.  I'm talking about spiritual testing--spiritual trials.  These are NOT easy!  In some ways we can prepare for them ahead of time.  We can be in the Word and in prayer.  We can memorize scripture that will keep us strong during times of testing.  But here's what's harder about these kinds of tests:  1) We never know when the test will be.  2) We don't know what the test will be on.  3) We don't know how long the test will be.  4) We don't know if we will pass the test.  and  5) We sometimes don't even know why we had to take the test at all.

Here's what I can tell you about the current test that I am "taking."  It's not easy.  I don't know when the test will end, but I do know that it is temporary.  In the light of eternity every trial is short.  I also know that I am not alone in this trial.  Others have experienced it before, others will experience it in the future.  And my Lord is walking with me through it.  Even when I don't feel Him near, He is there. 

Another thing that I am realizing about spiritual tests is this:  they are allowed by my loving Father for my good and His glory, and many times these tests are spiritual attacks waged against me by Satan and his demons.  The spiritual realm is very real, and it is truly a battle.  So, instead of getting angry at God, I am getting angry at Satan and his demons for trying to get me down, discouraged, and despondent.  How dare he speak lies into my ear about my perfect, sinless Savior!  I need to put on the whole armor of God so I can withstand his attacks and remain standing when all is said and done.  I cannot do this by myself.  Because without Him I can do nothing.  I need the power of the Holy Spirit to see me through.  And He will remain faithful--even when I am faithless.

I don't know what the future holds, but I do know that God will do something great.  I don't know how or when He's going to do it, but with all that is within me, I am going to hold on to the promises that have been given to me in the Bible.  And no matter what happens all the glory will go to Him. 

I hope I pass this one with flying colors.