This Is A Test; It Is Only A Test.
How many of you remember the blaring emergency broadcast system messages that would show on your televisions? As a child, these messages scared me to death. I had no idea why they would need to broadcast them, but they sounded serious, and that was enough for me.
Tests are a big part of our lives, especially during our youth when we are in school. I was great at taking tests and got good grades. My method for taking a test was to wait until the last minute, do a deep dive into the subject, and memorize as much of it as possible. This method works great for the short term, which was long enough for me to take the test. But, long-term results were not there, and if you asked me the same questions a month later, I wouldn’t have retained the knowledge.
We didn’t have SOLs when I was a kid, and one of my children struggled with those. He had the same method of studying as me, which didn’t work well for the SOLs. His SOL tests happened every other year, but they covered all the subject matter since the last test. So, he wasn’t only being tested on what he learned that year, but the previous year also.
Thankfully, when he got to high school, they tested after each semester, so he did fine. But all of this got me thinking about how the Lord tests us.
We are privy to upcoming tests from the Lord. There is no warning message that a test is now in progress, so we can’t cram to try and pass it with flying colors. Some of the Lord’s tests are fairly easy, but they show our character.
Let’s say that you’re walking into a store and see money on the ground. (Don’t pick it up since that is a trafficking ploy) Do you ask around to see if anyone has dropped money, take it to the manager and explain where you found it, or pocket it and say it is your lucky day?
What would you do if you saw a Facebook post about a family having money issues because of an unexpected illness? Would you give to the go-fund-me page, would you message the people privately and ask what you could do to help, or would you remember they posted about a vacation a couple of months ago and keep scrolling?
There are thousands of scenarios that we encounter that “could” be a test from the Lord. It is hard to know what to do today since there are so many scams. Who would have thought that a $20 bill on the floor of a store could be laced with a drug? We all have to try to make the best decisions for our safety while also wanting to do the right thing.
I have started to look at every situation as a test. I’ll let you know: I get a failing grade way more often than a passing one. However, by thinking of situations as tests, I am more likely to try to do the right thing and go against my natural selfish instinct.
James 1:2-3 NIV
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
In school, I was an “A” student without putting in much effort, but life is different. Life doesn’t come with a list of multiple-choice answers for you to choose from, and the tests aren’t timed so that you know how long you are being tested. So, when a particular test seems to be lasting longer than I expected, I know that it is because I have not yet learned the lesson being taught.
James 1:12 NIV
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
However, according to James, persevering while under trial and coming out on the other side can produce a crown of life. That is worth everything including all the struggles that a test brings!
To GOD Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
Thank you so much for this message. I love your Sunday posts.
Oh Tania what great examples of life. May people read this post and embrace the test the Lord puts in front of us. These are there to make Him shine brighter through our lives to help others see Him more clearly ❤️
Your post reminded me of the air raid drills that took place at noon every Wednesday at my elementary school. We all got under our desks- scared me to death!! Very thought provoking post today.
Such a great message! I have to admit those “broadcast tests” used to scare me too.
Thank you so very much for the Sunday message😊
I love the Sunday posts❤🙏
Love your thought provoking post- especially about how one would handle a family in need!
Love the Bible verses presented in the post – in addition my favorite when I am in a situation that gets my faith is:
Romans 12:2
ESV
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Thank you Tania!
Thanks for a great post.
So appreciate your Sunday thoughts, blessings always
I am truly thankful for you, Tania!
Loved the post about life being a test
Yes, lessons are constantly being taught, and I have lately been reminding myself daily, “This is to make me stronger and more patient.” Your post today is so right on the point. Thank you.
our God is good. he allows us to fail these tests but still forgives us and loves us. I appreciate your post today as always
I do look forward to your Sunday posts. There is always a good message and something to think about. Yes some tests last longer than others but hopefully with God we will get through them with Him.
Have a wonderful day.
I love receiving your emails everyday. Just finished reading “this is a test, this is only a test”, I also remember those days.
Thanks for all you do and sharing.
I remember these broadcasts!
I was a terrible test taker as a child and even in college. Hopefully, I am better as an adult. Thanks Tania!
Beautiful post today! You are such a Blessing! Happy Sunday 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Great post.
We certainly have been in a season of testing this summer. God has been doing a lot of work in my husband and I that’s for sure. I know he has a wonderful plan for us on the other side! God bless you and your ministry Tania❤️
Well this certainly brought back memories of my childhood! Just like the first thing in the morning and last thing at night the National Anthem would play!.
Yes, the fly over and poem about touching the face of God.
love this message today
I was the same way…cram before a test. Can I admit that some trials are harder than others? I only pray I can get better at responding to them. I like how you said to remember their tests so hopefully can respond accordingly. Have a blessed day, Tania!
Testing, testing, testing, all the time!
Jesus still forgives, comforts, provides, intercedes, and empowers today. Praise God for the refuge He has provided in our Savior.
This is part of my devotional this morning. When we are tested, Jesus intercedes! What a comfort to know!
Have a blessed Sunday!💗
Thank you Taina,
I love your devotion today. Your daily newsletter is great and your faithful praise to give God all the glory.
Blessings to you and your family, and kitty. 🥰🙏
I have been increasingly concerned about trafficking. Could you elaborate on why picking up the money is a trafficking ploy?
On a lighter note, I can always count on your site to encourage and uplift. Especially your Sunday posts.
Blessings,
Elizabeth
I don’t know much about it, but I’ve heard that it could be laced with fentanyl.
Thanks for letting us know that. I hadn’t heard of that. I will inform others.
I look forward to your Sunday morning posts.
Thanks