When students sign up for a class, they know they will be taught and then tested. They hope to pass the test.
Many of us want God to teach us, but we don’t want to be tested.
David invited God to test him.
David said,
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24
I think it extraordinarily brave that David invited God to test him. Had he not read the book of Job?😱. Satan brought the challenges, but God allowed the tests.
I have been writing a book. In the quiet night hours, I marvel at all God teaches me. Everything seems so clear.
But then come the tests. Sometimes I know they are coming and I try to prepare. But other times God gives pop quizzes and I am completely undone. I am sure I will get a failing grade.
Tonight when I was moaning and groaning about how hard the most recent test was, God said in my spirit, “You knew there would be tests.”
“Yes,” I said, “But I thought You were going to test things like my memory of scriptures. I did not think the tests would be this hard.”
He said, “I am searching your heart. Would you like to know what I am finding there?”
We had a heart to heart conversation. I will spare you the details. But suffice it to say, He found doubts, fears, untruths, and a lot more.
Unfortunately He found offensive ways too. We are working on that.
But for every wrong answer I got on the tests, He showed me the right answer.
And then He said, “Keep practicing. You’ll do better next time.”
“But,” I told Him, “I thought I had failed.”
He said, “You had some problems with this test, but the course is not over. Don’t give up. Keep your eyes on Me. Keep learning. Keep practicing. What a celebration we are going to have on Graduation Day!”
He knows the way I take. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold!
Job 23:10
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which The Lord has promised to those who love Him!
James 1:12
