Articles

Don't Panic! This is Only a Test!

Brenda Myree • Book Excerpts
In Part 7 of "In the Process of Time", we take a look at tests and trials. Now, we are not talking about temptations, sin or anything that comes from the "enemy". We want to look at those things in our lives which God allows for our maturing. You know, when in school you would never graduate to the next grade without being given a test! Well, it's the same in the Spirit realm, once we have learned or mastered a subject, we will be tested! Count on it!
When I was a child in school, the one thing I always hated was a pop quiz!  A regular test I had no problem with because I could study for that but the pop quiz!! UGH!  I never knew what the questions would be, whether or not I knew the answers, it was nerve wrecking.  Once I got older, I realized that the purpose of the tests was to see how much I had learned.  The teacher would always give us back the tests with our scores and a mark by every answer we got wrong.  She would tell us, go home and find the answers to the questions you missed and bring it back to class the next day.  It was amazing to see that upon finding the answers in my book, I realized that I knew the answer but for whatever reason, I just got it wrong on the test.  I also knew that the next time we had a pop quiz, that same question would be on the test again.
 
God seems to do the same thing, at least with me.  Every so often, He will give me a test to see what I've learned.  It's always unexpected even though I know it's coming sooner or later.  But I never seem to be prepared for it - it always comes as a surprise.  It amazes me how often I pass one of these tests but I miss those that should be so simple.  Whenever I find myself in a situation that seems a little out of the ordinary or have to deal with someone that just has to get in my face, I tell myself "this is only a test."  I never know when it's coming so I look at every difficult person or situation as a test.  I check myself, take a deep breath and try to walk in love.  I attempt to think before I speak (sometimes this is easier said than done).  I ask the Holy Spirit to help me and give me wisdom in every situation I come up against throughout the day (I pray this every day just in case).  This way, should it be a test, I have a better chance of passing.


Psalms 105:19
Until the time that his word came to pass, The word of the LORD tested him.


Do you believe the Word God has spoken over your life?  Do you believe He is able to bring it to pass?  The Word will test you.  The trying of your faith worketh patience.  Your faith will be tested by the Word.


James 1:3-6(a)
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting . . .


Patience will bring spiritual maturity and wholeness.   God will give you help through the person of the Holy Ghost who is our teacher, our comforter, our guide, our friend and our constant companion among other things.  Not only that, but the tests, they're all open book!  That's right.  He allows us to use the Book!  (Our Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth).  And all the answers are there!


Unfortunately, too many times we find ourselves speaking negatively about a problem or situation.  We say things like, "Why do I have to go through this?", "I'll never make it.", "That will never come to pass".  See what Psalms 17:3 has to say about that.
 
You have tested my heart; You have visited me in the night; You have tried me and have found nothing;  I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.


Notice what David said.  He says, "I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress."  Even though he is being tested and tried, he has purposed not to say anything negative about his situation but to keep a good attitude about it, to glorify God in the mist of his trouble.  Now, I must admit, this has been a real trial for me, keeping my mouth from transgressing.  But I declare and decree, that was in the past and even though I may be going through trials and tests, I will rejoice in the Lord.  His praises shall continuously be in my mouth, I will give thanks in all things!


Here are a few more scriptures to encourage you.  Do not panic when tests come, God sees what's truly in your heart and, if your motives are pure, you will reap the benefits.


Psalms 139:23, 24
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;
24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
James 1:12
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation (tests, trials); for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
 
And remember, (II Corinthians 4:17-18).
17 For our light affliction (trials, tests), which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.


Don't look at the circumstances and situations for they are only temporary.  Look at things from God's perspective.  He already knows the end from the beginning.  Our tests and trials are "light" compared to the weight of glory" we will walk in when we come through and past the test!  Find the place in Him where you can see through His eyes, into eternity.  Get a God's eye view of things.  It will make the test so much easier.

 

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