Guys: Don’t miss this month’s Discovering Victory Podcast featuring Dr. Woodrow Kroll
This is a Test, Only a Test
“Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” James 1:3
We all know those annoying procedures that usually take place on the radio or TV that remind us “If this had been a real emergency…”. It’s funny because sometimes I’ll tune into a station and the sound of the test is in progress. I sit and await the end to see if this is, in fact, is “only a test”.
We’re studying the book of 2nd Corinthians in Church and in chapter 8 Paul tells the Corinthians as he challenges them according to their giving, says in verse 8, “I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others”.
Pastor John went on to say that a teacher will test you in order for you to pass and then grow. James tells us that testing “produces” something. The material used in this situation was mentioned in verse 1 “we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia”. The Macedonian church was the study guide, the NLT says in verse 2 “They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity”
I see it like this, if testing produces and temptation destroys, the difference between a test or trial and temptation is who your teacher is? Or who are you listening to?
If you’re a student of the word of God then at some point what you are studying you will be tested on. The reason being that testing “produces” . Whereas if we neglect God’s word and allow the enemy a foothold then, James says “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed”, and we know this leads to sin. But even when we wonder the Bible teaches in 2nd Timothy “If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is”. Also in 1st Corinthians 10 we read “but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it”.
I believe that the Church of Jesus Christ can be the way of escape. If I am preaching to the choir here and you’re reading this thinking “God is good” you may be that “way of escape” to those in trouble. That’s how I am where I am today. Those precious Saints that saw me struggling and reached into my mess and pulled me out. Let’s not talk about it, lets “Be About It” Amen! – Rob Russomano is a weekly Freedom Fighter blogger and is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy
Daily Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 14-16
Think About This: For many believers, worship, prayer, and Scripture are a nonchalant charade. They don’t expect anything significant to happen, but suddenly God’s reality breaks through, and they’re shocked. Brian Powley
Verses to Memorize: Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming on our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 NKJV
Freedom Fighters 