As a student, I remembered my teachers telling us at the beginning of a school term that there would be tests without any warning! Those are called "pop quizzes". Remember those? We did not like them, but we knew to be prepared all the time by doing our homework and completing our assignments on time. You knew the tests were coming, so you couldn't say you hadn't been warned. Getting a good grade in the course was totally dependent on you and how ready you were when the inevitable tests came!

 

God operates on the same principle. His word says, "Don't be surprised that you are going through testing." Now God's tests aren't necessarily ones you'd have chosen for yourself because they never seem to come at the right time and always test you in your weakest areas. That's because they're not for the teacher's benefit, they are for yours!

 

God's tests are designed to sharpen us mentally and strengthen us spiritually. They are intended to take us to the next class or level in our faith! When tests come and they will, you've got two choices. One: act like a victim and complain that you've been singled out and unfairly treated. Two: let them teach you more about yourself --- and the God you serve.

 

Here's a comforting thought: God will never give you more than you can handle, or a test you can't pass. He won't push you more than your limit or give you a test He's not given you enough material with which to prepare for. So the word for you today is ---stay prepared! The test will come at any time but the end goal --- PROMOTION!!!