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“How to Survive a Test”
Tests and trials build character. They make us strong. It’s always difficult to see how when you’re in the middle of the test. But, when God carries you through, often the reason for the test is revealed and you will be stronger because you have gained valuable insight that you can pass on. I believe that God allows tests to come in our lives for a reason. Have you ever noticed that you may have had a real struggle going in your life, then, people start crossing your path that you can then share your experience with and help them make it through? It’s all part of the test.
I’m not talking about “I got a flat tire on the way to work” tests. I don’t mean to minimize this type of occurrence, certainly this can be stressful. I’m talking about the things that come into our lives that rock the foundation of who we are and make you question God, yourself and everyone else on Earth. Infidelity, drug abuse, over-spending, losing your job, financial issues, getting separated or divorced, your wife is pregnant and you’ve had a vasectomy…I’m talking about things that can change the course of your life!
One of my first thoughts is Isaiah 55:8. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord.” I need to remind myself that God doesn’t think like I do. God will speak to you in ways that are much higher. God sees the end of something and then goes back and creates the beginning of it. I constantly remind myself that things will always come into my life that will ultimately result in me being able to praise God for who He is, not for what He does. Then the testimony of Gods faithfulness, grace and mercy needs to be shared with others.
Secondly, I’m reminded that Romans 8:28 says “And we know that all things work together for good to those God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” This scripture flashes in my spirits eyes constantly. I often ask God in the middle of a situation “How can this situation be for my good?” It’s not that the situation is always good but that the knowledge I will gain can used to bless someone in a time of testing.
I’ve said all of this to say that in a test, we need to stay faithful to God and trust our spouse in times of testing. I’ve seen people turn from God when something impacts their lives. God promised that if we draw closer to Him that He would draw closer to us. Remember that we are instruments and God is looking for people that He can use for His glory. I really believe that God allows trials to come sometimes because He wants to see what our response will be. Our response really is a matter of maturity in the things of God. When trials come, do you react quickly only to regret your actions? Or, do you go to Him in prayer, seeking the proper guidance?
We often go into our little corners as Men and shut our spouses out when we’re being tested. I fully understand the need we have to pull back a little so that we can think. It’s a “man thing.” We need to put things in perspective and go to God. Don’t try to fix everything yourself. Your family is counting on you to be an effective leader. Trust that even though you may be hurting and confused, God knows the answer and He has an expected end to your situation. Fast and pray. Seek the counsel of others. Stand on the Word of God. Find scriptures and confess them. Seek God, chase Him down! Trust your spouse in times of testing. I have seen God reveal the answer to my wife before I see it, so don’t discount the gifting your wife walks in.
I became aware of a situation recently that was pretty interesting. A couple we know, strong in the Lord, ran into something that would destroy many relationships. The wife went to the Doctor for her annual check-up, which included a Pap test. The Pap test revealed that she had HPV. This is a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to certain types of Cancer in women which currently has no cure. I think this disease can only be transmitted through sexual contact.
This is a couple that trusts God. They have both been faithful to each other, but the question came…how can this be? How could this virus suddenly appear when they’ve only been with each other for years and years? And, it’s only means of transmission is through sex? Hhhhhmmmmm. Put yourself in their position.
This is a test (remember, not the “got a flat on the way to work,” variety?) I remember the husband saying “there’s a reasonable explanation for this.” They both trusted God. Ask yourself, what would you do? How would you handle something as devastating as this? Can you imagine the thoughts that would go through your mind? How could you not feel betrayed?
A several weeks had gone by. I’ll make a long story short…It turned out that the Doctors office had gotten the test results mixed up because their last names were similar to another patients. Sounds like they need another Doctor, for starters…But, for weeks they had no idea what to do or say to each other. They didn’t want to accuse each other but something was terribly wrong. Can you see the stress and confusion, thinking your spouse had cheated and now you’ve been told you have an incurable disease?
They trusted God to help them see their way through the crisis. They waited, fasted, prayed and regardless of what the enemy tried to do, each of them held their peace and went to God for answers. And, this is the best advice that you can give anyone. In a time of tests and trials, seek God and don’t lean on your own understanding. The enemy knows how to create distractions in our lives and get our focus to change in a way that can lead to more confusion.
The answer is always found in God. The key is to seek God with your wife. Remember that He joined you together and there’s a powerful anointing that you can tap into as a couple. Encourage one another in tough times. Many people can encourage you but there’s real empowerment when your wife tells you “I love you and I’m praying for you. God has our lives under His control.” God promised that He’d be in our midst. Everything we need is found in Him.
Written by Allen Blackston,Jr. ©2010. In order to protect the rights of the copyright holder, no portion of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent. All rights reserved.
I’m not talking about “I got a flat tire on the way to work” tests. I don’t mean to minimize this type of occurrence, certainly this can be stressful. I’m talking about the things that come into our lives that rock the foundation of who we are and make you question God, yourself and everyone else on Earth. Infidelity, drug abuse, over-spending, losing your job, financial issues, getting separated or divorced, your wife is pregnant and you’ve had a vasectomy…I’m talking about things that can change the course of your life!
One of my first thoughts is Isaiah 55:8. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord.” I need to remind myself that God doesn’t think like I do. God will speak to you in ways that are much higher. God sees the end of something and then goes back and creates the beginning of it. I constantly remind myself that things will always come into my life that will ultimately result in me being able to praise God for who He is, not for what He does. Then the testimony of Gods faithfulness, grace and mercy needs to be shared with others.
Secondly, I’m reminded that Romans 8:28 says “And we know that all things work together for good to those God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” This scripture flashes in my spirits eyes constantly. I often ask God in the middle of a situation “How can this situation be for my good?” It’s not that the situation is always good but that the knowledge I will gain can used to bless someone in a time of testing.
I’ve said all of this to say that in a test, we need to stay faithful to God and trust our spouse in times of testing. I’ve seen people turn from God when something impacts their lives. God promised that if we draw closer to Him that He would draw closer to us. Remember that we are instruments and God is looking for people that He can use for His glory. I really believe that God allows trials to come sometimes because He wants to see what our response will be. Our response really is a matter of maturity in the things of God. When trials come, do you react quickly only to regret your actions? Or, do you go to Him in prayer, seeking the proper guidance?
We often go into our little corners as Men and shut our spouses out when we’re being tested. I fully understand the need we have to pull back a little so that we can think. It’s a “man thing.” We need to put things in perspective and go to God. Don’t try to fix everything yourself. Your family is counting on you to be an effective leader. Trust that even though you may be hurting and confused, God knows the answer and He has an expected end to your situation. Fast and pray. Seek the counsel of others. Stand on the Word of God. Find scriptures and confess them. Seek God, chase Him down! Trust your spouse in times of testing. I have seen God reveal the answer to my wife before I see it, so don’t discount the gifting your wife walks in.
I became aware of a situation recently that was pretty interesting. A couple we know, strong in the Lord, ran into something that would destroy many relationships. The wife went to the Doctor for her annual check-up, which included a Pap test. The Pap test revealed that she had HPV. This is a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to certain types of Cancer in women which currently has no cure. I think this disease can only be transmitted through sexual contact.
This is a couple that trusts God. They have both been faithful to each other, but the question came…how can this be? How could this virus suddenly appear when they’ve only been with each other for years and years? And, it’s only means of transmission is through sex? Hhhhhmmmmm. Put yourself in their position.
This is a test (remember, not the “got a flat on the way to work,” variety?) I remember the husband saying “there’s a reasonable explanation for this.” They both trusted God. Ask yourself, what would you do? How would you handle something as devastating as this? Can you imagine the thoughts that would go through your mind? How could you not feel betrayed?
A several weeks had gone by. I’ll make a long story short…It turned out that the Doctors office had gotten the test results mixed up because their last names were similar to another patients. Sounds like they need another Doctor, for starters…But, for weeks they had no idea what to do or say to each other. They didn’t want to accuse each other but something was terribly wrong. Can you see the stress and confusion, thinking your spouse had cheated and now you’ve been told you have an incurable disease?
They trusted God to help them see their way through the crisis. They waited, fasted, prayed and regardless of what the enemy tried to do, each of them held their peace and went to God for answers. And, this is the best advice that you can give anyone. In a time of tests and trials, seek God and don’t lean on your own understanding. The enemy knows how to create distractions in our lives and get our focus to change in a way that can lead to more confusion.
The answer is always found in God. The key is to seek God with your wife. Remember that He joined you together and there’s a powerful anointing that you can tap into as a couple. Encourage one another in tough times. Many people can encourage you but there’s real empowerment when your wife tells you “I love you and I’m praying for you. God has our lives under His control.” God promised that He’d be in our midst. Everything we need is found in Him.
Written by Allen Blackston,Jr. ©2010. In order to protect the rights of the copyright holder, no portion of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent. All rights reserved.
