TESTING

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After a long life I have made up my mind that life it's self

is made of simply one problem after another.  In fact when

things go too well, or smooth for a while - I wonder what is

wrong.

Right off I have to admit that God has always pulled me 

through one way or another.   But here I am again with 

a bunch of problems facing me.  No, I am not worried 

about it because ultimately God will work them out.

But, why can't I have a rest from them now that I am

an old man.  Has there not been enough problems?

I was reading in my Bible this morning in several different

places and three different passages hit me between the 

eyes.  Let me share them with you first, then a word

of encouragement.

"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations,

knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance:

and perseverance, proven character, ..."

(Romans 8:3,4 NASB)   

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you

encounter various trials knowing that the 

testing of your faith produces endurance."

(James 1:2,3 NASB)   

"We count those blessed who have endured.

You have heard of the endurance of Job and

have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings,

that the Lord is full of compassion and is 

merciful."

(James 5:11 NASB)   

Now if I did not have a relationship with Jesus 

Christ, these problems might be an effort to make

me get my mind off of my abilities and look to him

for help.  A lot of us will not turn to God until we

are knocked down and can only look up.  Then the

problems are still a blessing.

But I have been walking with God a long time.

[True, not near as close as I should.]  so why do

I still have problems.  The above Scriptures make

it clear that they are to help me endure, to strengthen

me and help me become stronger in my life with

God.  All through life God gives me problems to 

develop me into the person he wants me to be.

For this I should PRAISE GOD.

But consider one more fact.  It is true only of those

who love God.

"And we know that God causes all things to 

work together for good to those who love God,

to those who are called according to His purpose."

(Romas 8:28 NASB)   

There you have it.  If I love God, EVERY problem

that comes my way ultimately works for my good.

NOW HOW CAN YOU BEAT THAT?

LIFE IS A GRIND.

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Life is a grind.

If you have not found that out - you have not 

lived very long.  Even the rich and the famous 

have their share of problems.  Perhaps different

ones than you and I have, never the less, problems.

There are two purposes for problems.  One of course

is to show us that we are not capable of handling life

by our selves.  They are supposed to make us take our

eyes off of ourselves and look up to God for help.  I 

have encountered this one far to often in life.  Yet I 

am much better off because of it.

The other one I want to mention is true only of those

who have come into a relationship with God.  No,

not joined a church or gone through some ritual or 

stood on their head trying to be "spiritual" or some

thing.  But come into a personal relationship with

God.   Which by the way does not get you out of 

conflict like some would try to teach you, but may 

increase problems - for a purpose.

Considering problems or suffering in whatever form

it may come, consider this quote of A.B. Simpson.

"Are you living in the crucible?  Then take heart!

Some thing beautiful is about to happen at the hands

of your creator".

"Crucible" is a word I do not hear much any more, but

one of the definitions of "crucible" is:

"3. a severe test or trial, esp. one that causes a lasting

change or influence."

But even more importantly is God's opinion on the 

matter, consider one of numerous passages:

"My friends, consider yourselves fortunate 

when all kinds of trials come your way,

for you know that when your faith succeeds

in facing such trials, the results is the ability

to endure.  Make sure that your endurance

carries you all the way without failing, so 

that you may be perfect and complete, lacking 

nothing."

(James 1:2 -4 GNT)  

But what is the outcome?

This is really where I am wanting to come.

"I consider that what we suffer at this present

time cannot be compared at all with the glory

that is going to be revealed to us.  All of creation

waits with eager longing for God to reveal his

children."

(Romans 8:18,19 GNT)  

Did you catch that?

If we are in a true relationship with Jesus Christ,

every thing we suffer here on earth will turn out

to our glory.  Even nature it's self is waiting to see

this.

THE TEST

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Many years ago, about the time you were born, I had a

boss who was the old bull in the china shop type.  He 

was an opinionated character, but did know his business.

I had moved in from out of state.  That made me an 

outsider instead of one of "the boys".  In time I was put

in charge of the shop.  I could not do anything to please

that man.  If I had a schedule of work, that was wrong.

I should not have a schedule.  If (I had to have a schedule)

I hid the schedule so he could not see it, then I was supposed

to have a schedule.

Life at work for a year or two was miserable.  I had to 

go hide at lunch just to get away from it.  BUT, in time

it was like going over a hump.  At some point I suddenly

was an O.K. guy.

Really I think he was testing me.  And after a period

of testing and passing to his satisfaction, I was in.

Our life is like that, even when trying to live for God.

Now God is not like that old codger but he does have

to test us.  If God is trying to get your attention through

the problems of life, listen up.  He may be trying to show

you the way to go, pay attention.  He may be trying to 

strengthen you.  But in any case those trials and problems

have a purpose.

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial;

for once he has been approved, he will receive

the crown of life which the Lord has promised

to those who love Him."

(James 1:12 NASB)