I’m pretty sure you don’t like tests. Me too! As a student I’ve never met anyone that likes them. From my experience and observation, there are spiritual tests that are given to us. Sometimes it’s a pop quiz, but usually I know when I’m given a test. Some tests feel like a big final exam that lasts a long time. I believe I just took one. It was super hard but by the grace of God, I believe I passed the course and the big final! 

We just finished a major home remodeling that was estimated to take three months but took five months. My heart was never in the home project but I got it started to honor the request of my husband. Besides the Lord impressed upon me to get it moving. I find it impossible to avoid his promptings. 

Naively I thought things will move smoothly since I’m obeying the Lord and honoring my husband’s request. Oh no, this was not the case at all. In God’s mercy, he gave me a dream right before the project started and I knew from this vivid dream that it wasn’t going to be smooth sailing. That’s why I asked many people to pray for the project. I was hoping we can pray away the test. The prayers that others and I prayed basically asked for an easy project with smooth sailing. The reality was completely opposite – it was a very difficult project with rough sailing. 

Why would a loving Abba Father deliberately sign us up for a tough class? Well I think He signed me up because he knew it’ll develop many characters and qualities that he wants to refine in me for my benefit. Towards the middle of the project I got the hint. So instead of praying away the tests and difficulties, I switched my prayers to asking for his strength and grace to hold me tightly today. I’ve crashed, fallen and slipped here and there but Jesus was always right besides me. I really had to believe the scripture that said there is no condemnation to those in Christ. 

It is my opinion, we shouldn’t pray away a test. Instead it’s better to accept the testing season and have confidence that God will help you pass the tests. If you fight against the test season then from my observation you will have to retake the same class and the same test later on. Ouch! I highly recommend you give your best shot to pass the test first time around. 

A child of God isn’t the only ones getting tested. I believe everyone on earth does. However because we are in Christ, the light is on and so we do not have to be in the dark about anything. Plus we can all have victory at the end if we follow Jesus and pass the test his way. I noticed the word of God comes alive especially when I’m being tested and refined. I highly recommend you write those verses on a bible verse journal with a date next to them. It’s really neat to look back on those verses later on and reflect on God’s comfort, love and faithfulness. 

If you are in a testing season, I’ll be praying for you! Please keep me in your prayers too. Thank you! God bless you! -From the heart with love. 

Romans 8:1(NLT)
8 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

John 12:46 (TLB)
46 I have come as a Light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer wander in the darkness.

James 1:2-5, 12 (NLT)
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 

12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.