Learning How to Pass the Tests of Life

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How are you with passing tests? Are you pretty good at it or could you use a little or a lot more help? And by the way, I need to ask you this question as well, how’s your study skills? Do you take time to prepare for tests or are you a crammer? Be honest. Personally, in school, I was a crammer (especially if it was a subject like history or biology…I would memorize the info and pour it out as soon as the test came). Now, trust me. I’m going somewhere with this, because actually, I’m not talking about passing a general test, but I am talking about learning how to pass the tests of life.

I admit, passing the tests of life can be pretty tough at times. And just like there are all sorts of natural tests like history, biology, job training, or ministry tests, there are also tests of life like overcoming temptation or lust, having the right attitude, dealing with pressure, being patient while raising children, being submissive to your husband, being quiet when you really want to say something (being humble), doing something that you really don’t feel like doing, dealing with difficult people, sickness, and even the loss of a loved one, job, or possession. The list could literally go on and on.

But the point here is that when these tests come up, we want to be better prepared to handle them. Now, let’s be real! Sometimes there will be pop quizzes, like sudden things that happen in our lives that will test our strength and character. But I believe that when we prepare ourselves and rely on God and the power of His Holy Spirit, we will have more success in passing our tests. One of the major keys to passing these tests and pop quizzes of life is studying God’s word.

*We have to study. We have to hide the word of God in our hearts like King David did in Psalm 119:11 which says, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” And Psalm 119:15 says, “I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.” (NLT)

As we study God’s word and meditate on it, when the tests come, we can reflect on God's ways in how to handle them. Plus we have the Holy Spirit to help remind us of what to do or how to respond in those situations. Our job is then to be sensitive enough to listen to Him and not only listen, but obey. I’m about to share with you a verse that I pray sheds a little more light on this topic through Moses in Deuteronomy 8:2 & 5 which says, “Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands…He did it to teach you that people need more than bread for life; real life comes by feeding on the word of God.” (NLT)

This principle still applies to us today. We have to feed on the word of God and hide it in our hearts, so when the tests come, we’ll be ready. Granted, sometimes we will make mistakes and have to retake some of those tests, but again the key is studying, obeying God’s word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to help us when the time comes. But we have to prepare.

Listen, a test by definition means “that which anything is compared for proof of its genuineness.” In another sense, a test is proof or evidence of what you know. Sometimes I have to tell myself, "Okay, this is just a test. God is proving me. It's not about me. What I'm going through is not just about me. Someone else is going to need the word of my testimony." You have to talk to yourself! It helps! It actually helps to knock some sense into us to realize that nothing happens by chance. God is in control. And if He allows certain things to happen in our lives, He'll be there with us to help us through it.

With that being said. Again, prepare yourself and tell yourself, "This is a test. I can get through this with God's word and the power of His Holy Spirit. It's not about me. God's teaching me something through this and I'm going to grow from this."

Remember, tests will come. But when they enter your life, as you study the word, you'll be better prepared. For example, if you struggle with submission or obedience, study on it. Then the next time your husband or leader asks you to do something, you’ll be ready when the test comes…you’ll be more open to submit and obey. It's a choice. Also, when pressure comes in your life, you will have prepared yourself with a verse such as Proverbs 16:32, “It is better to be patient than powerful; it is better to have self-control than to conquer a city.” That's character in real life! Meditate on that one! ;-)

As I close this post, I have to add that meditating on Scripture will be so beneficial to helping you pass more tests. Joshua 1:8 says, “Study this book of law continually. Meditate on it day and night so that you will be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will succeed.” (NLT) That's where your success lies! Also, hold onto this verse, “Dear brothers and sisters, “whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.” (NLT)

*Let God elevate you...bring you to a higher level in Him and for Him. Because the more we pass the tests, the stronger we'll be and the higher we'll go. Let's do this! With God, all things are possible!

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye

*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened from this post. Feel absolutely free to leave a comment or for questions you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com, and I will respond promptly. Also, if this post and ministry has blessed your life, please consider making a donation of any amount today to help further the gospel here @ http://www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org/.

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