What are some of the biggest tests you have had in your life? How did you weather the trial?
A test could be a time to stop an addiction. Or it may involve giving up something that is not good or healthy for you. It may even involve drawing closer to what is good and Godly in your life.
Tests and trials are not necessarily easy. God does test us.
In the book Malachi, he wrote:
“He (God’s Messenger) will be like a purifying fire and like laundry soap. Like someone who heats and purifies silver, he will purify the Levites and make them pure like gold and silver. Then they will bring offerings to the Lord in the right way.” (Malachi 3:2-3 NCV)
Webster defines a test as “a procedure intended to establish the quality, performance, or reliability of something, especially before it is taken into widespread use.”
What needs testing or purifying in your life?
The great theologian Charles Spurgeon said this about following Christ:
“If any of you, my hearers, are seeking the Lord at this time, I want you to understand what it means: you are seeking a fire which will test you, and consume much which has been dear to you.”
Spurgeon went on to say: “We are not to expect Christ to come and save us “in” our sins, he will come and save us “from” our sins; therefore, if you are enabled by faith to take Christ as a Saviour, remember that you take him as the purger and the purifier, for it is from sin that he saves us.”
To be honest, following Christ means we walk away from sin. This is the process of being saved from our sins.
The good news is that if we pray to the Holy Spirit to help us, He will take away our desire for sin. It’s true - and miraculous.
Many view sin as pleasurable. However, sin brings death. The Apostle James said:
“People are tempted when their own evil desire leads them away and traps them. This desire leads to sin, and then the sin grows and brings death.” (James 1:14-15 NCV)
It really boils down to what we love. We serve what we love. We invest time, energy and money in the things we love. Our Lord and Savior is the one we love.
So what do you love? What test do you need to endure?
Please know this. God loves you. He wants the best for you. And testing you (and me) brings about a purge and cleansing that we truly need. We will never be perfect, however moving toward perfection is incredible.
GOD, thank you for my tests in life. No, it’s not always fun, however I come out the other end more whole, stronger, and enjoying deep joy. Thank you for Jesus Christ, the purger and purifier of my life. IJNIP amen ♥️
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