Last week we started to examine the tests of God. Tests are opportunities to prove your maturity and discover your potential. God will make us go through testing at each stage of our spiritual walk. Our goal should always be to pass the test, otherwise we get to take the test again and again...and again until we get it right! Before you can be used greatly by God, you must be tested thoroughly. Last week we examined four tests of God... the test of small things, the motive test, the wilderness test and the offense test.

This week let's examine the remaining four tests:

• The credibility test: The credible person is trustworthy, reliable, sincere and has integrity. No one goes far with God until they pass this test. Your credibility before God and people matters. When Lot tried to rescue his sons-in-law from the destruction of Sodom, "He seemed as one that mocked" (Genesis 19:14). In other words Lot had no credibility. How credible are you?

• The warfare test: This test is for those who claim to be strong in faith but prove to be weak when tough times hit them...when they are at the battle front!  Until you learn to fight as a lion, God will continually place you in the frontlines of battle. He knows that until you pass this test, you will never fulfill your destiny... and your destiny is worth fighting for! This test demonstrates your ability to face opposition. Remember this: the level of attack is the best indicator of the level of blessing that waits for you beyond the attack.

• The authority test: Before Paul started his journeys to take the gospel to the Gentiles, he first went to Jerusalem, submitted his plan to the apostles and asked for their blessings. God placed David under a flawed leader called Saul...a leader who tried to kill him on several occasions but David when he had the opportunity to kill Saul refused to do so recognizing the place of authority Saul had. Because of David's attitude, he was qualified to sit on Saul's throne. If you disrespect and talk negatively about those placed in authority over you, you will go nowhere!

• The Lordship test: You pass this test when you bypass your mind and obey the commands of the Lord...especially when they make no sense. Peter passed this test when he "let down the nets for a catch" at Jesus command even when he had not caught any fish all night. He passed this test when he boldly stepped out of the boat to walk on water...just because Jesus told him to come.  You are still failing this test if you cannot discern the voice of God and do what He says. 

Understand this, God does not enjoy seeing His children struggle through life's tests, but like a good parent He knows they are the only way to prepare you for what is ahead.