The Test
Life is a series of tests. Whether we pass them or fail them depends on our understanding of who we are in Christ.
When it comes to living the Christian life, ignorance is not bliss. In fact, God tells us that we are destroyed by lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). He also tells us that knowledge is power (Proverbs 24:5).
The devil takes advantage of our weakness and will do all he can to prevent us from passing our tests. Let's take a look at what Jesus did to pass His test in the wilderness:
1-Jesus knew He would be tested. Tests didn't come to Him as a surprise. He was not ignorant of the wiles of the devil (2 Corinthians 2:11) and knew that he went about like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (I Peter 5:8).
2-Jesus prepared for the test by fasting (Matthew 4:2). He knew that fasting would help Him to hear God's voice more clearly so that He would not respond to the test out of His flesh.
3-Jesus resisted temptation by quoting Scripture. Three times He said, "It is written." The Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17).
All of us face tests on a daily basis. Some tests are harder than others. But with every test, Jesus makes a way of escape (I Corinthians 10:13). This doesn't necessarily mean that He will remove the test, although that may occur on occasion. It does mean that He will help us get through the test.
The writing life brings many tests. Tests of patience, of faith, of courage. Whatever your test today, apply the principles Jesus used to pass His tests. If you do, you too will pass yours with flying colors.
And that's my "musing that matters" for today. What's yours? :)
Blessings,
MaryAnn
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Copyright 2008 by MaryAnn Diorio, Ph.D. All rights reserved. This blog entry may NOT be reproduced, reprinted, or published in any form whatsoever without the written permission of Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. You may, however, forward it to others, but please do so IN ITS ENTIRETY. Thank you for your cooperation.
Comments
Thank you, MaryAnn, and I also want to thank Hope for sharing her experience. I believe we must be prepared for every test that is sent our way. I am trying to view writing in terms of picking up the guantlet and staring the challenge in the face therough His help and in His name.
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Wonderful. Yes, we all undergo testing, whether we like it or not. Whether or not we pass is directly related to how prepared we are when the challenges come.
During our recent three-day power outage, I discovered that my strength training enabled me to saw through logs without making my muscles sore for hours. I was amazed. I hadn't thought of lifting weights as a preparation for sawing wood. Sometimes, just doing simple things prepares us for challenges and tests in other areas. Committing scripture to memory is a good way to keep our spiritual sword sharp, and to keep us prepared when those tests come.
Thank you, MaryAnn, for this reminder!