Are you going through a test? Tests are designed to help you know if you've mastered the material taught. Until you are tested you really don't know what you know...and what you don't know. There are tests that God will give each one of us to develop us. I will be sharing eight of these with you (four this week and four next week).
1. The test of small things: This test comes when we are asked to do something beneath our ability and potential. God uses this test to examine our faithfulness and commitments. It reveals whether we are ready for greater responsibilities. Jesus said, "whoever can be trusted with little things can also be trusted with much" (Luke 16:10)
2. The motive test: This test comes to us when we are supposedly doing all the right things. God uses this test to help us see the motive behind our "ministry". Are you doing what you do so to get the approval and praise of men? Do you get discouraged when you are not constantly praised or encouraged? Are you like the hypocrites who love to be seen by men (Matthew 6:5). When you stand before Christ to be evaluated and rewarded, the question will not just be what you did, but why you did it.
3. The wilderness test: This test comes when we feel spiritually dry and our joy level is low. It reveals our ability to adapt to adversity and change. It reveals if God can rely on us in the different seasons of our walk with Him. It proves we are able to be consistent even when life isn't fun. "He led you through the vast and dreadful desert to test what was in your heart ...so that in the end it might go well with you" ( Deut. 8:15-16)
4. The offence test: Jesus said, "Offences will come" (Luke 17:1). Be ready to be offended! God will use offenses to test your ability to lead. Those who lead will always have to take this test constantly. The front line is no place for the easily offended! So what are you going to do when offenses come? Get mad, get even...and get nowhere? Or get over it by practicing forgiveness?
You must understand that God's tests are for our own good. Before we can be used greatly, we must be tested thoroughly. Next week we will examine the last four tests of God.
