PE-4: Trial and Testing

How many of you know when you are being tested? Does this knowledge come over time or is it something that is God given? Is it earned? How do I know a trial or test from just a circumstance or situation?

Since mid-March I have been struggling with my relationship in Christ. For the most part, I have been close with Him and I have enjoyed the peace and joy of that on many occasions, but there was still something missing. I missed hearing the Holy Spirit. Knowing when or how to do something. So, despite my hours in prayer, reading and studying, I lacked. I was under constant attack because of it.

This week God revealed to me this area I was failing in yet I failed to realize it as a hindrance to my Christian walk. As I have been addressing that area, I have noticed a vast difference in how I feel and perceive things around me. My relationship with Christ seems much stronger alrady. This includes those things done to me, against me, etc. I feel more at peace, more connected and more alive. Not to mention, I am seeing God work around me.

This was day two that I have been addressing the area of worry, fear and doubt in my life. Today was much smoother than yesterday, but overall, both have been good days. What makes that a BIG statement is because some of the things I had to deal with today were amazingly difficult. I truly was amazed to see the difference in my actions and how I addressed the difficulties. Not to mention, how I felt during and after I faced these.

Another aspect of drawing closer to God and emptying ourselves of "our self" is that we allow God to work freely within and through our lives. Giving Him control in every detail allows Him to truly work and bless you and others. Today, I asked for God to use me, somehow, someway. Just when I thought I missed the opportunity or that nothing was presented, God put me in a situation to help someone. The person even stated that I was an answer to prayer. "Wow! Thank you God!" I won't go into details here, but I am just saying that I am only on day 2 and I am seeing God work in amazing ways. The timing was perfect, it was all meant to be. God is awesome.

Back to some of the difficulties I faced; I got some bad news and read some stuff that tore at my heart and hurt deeply (personal details). As if one or the other by itself wasn't enough, I got hit by both within the same 20 minutes. I wanted to react in frustration, but found I did not. I wanted to start worrying but instead, gave it to God. I found myself praying for the person and asking forgiveness for them rather than carry that bitterness. Wow! I mean, I felt like a new person doing that. God really took it all away and I felt love and compassion rather than anger or bitterness. I found myself wanting the best for them, wanting to be a blessing to them rather than thinking negatively.

I think God allows us to be stretched, He wants us to grow. He wants to see how we react to different situations. That is part of maturing in Christ. As we continue to grow, some of those challenges may increase; but never past the point of which we can bare. God is faithful and just. He will answer our prayers and He wants us to be happy. But that happiness is on His terms, not yours. Draw close to Him and give Him everything. I dare you to try it. Our God is an awesome God. He is a real God and one that works miracles. Trust in that and trust that He is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. This becomes your faith.