Tests: God’s Way to Sharpen Individuals

“…For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart…” (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV)

Jew/Gentile

Today’s verse, is part of a letter sent by Jeremiah to those carried off into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. The Lord promises after seventy years survivors would be returned. He warned false prophets were among them and not to listen to their lies. What God speaks to His chosen people, He speaks to each believer today. Salvation became open to Gentiles. If we are not Jew, we are Gentile.

Tests

Trials come, no reason to deny. They’re like tests given in school. A first grade test would be simple to adults. However, a challenge for first graders. Tests come based on our spiritual maturity. A first grader would not be given the ACT. As we pass tests, we grow stronger in maturity. Fresh out of college, gossip was a failed test. Today, it’s being careful with momma bear re-testing.

Humble Pie

First experience eating humble pie is a shock to our system. Don’t you think most all tests circle around the core of humility? Humility is a modest or low view of oneself, humbleness. Scripture shares we are not to think too highly of ourselves. Pride comes before a fall. We often become numb to tests, accepting consequences to sin as humble pie becomes a neutralized taste. Growing spiritual mature, test continue. We know better for we are smarter than we used to be. Higher level test demands higher level thinkers based on wisdom, knowledge, understanding and previous experiences.

God’s Plan

Tests come down to this- God knows the plans He has for you. Confident in God’s perfect will- our responses during tests will resolve peacefully. God is large and in charge. We move forward trusting God’s plan. If God is sharpening, it works out for our good. It works out for our children’s good. What man thinks evil against us, God means it for our good. (Genesis 50:20 NIV) God’s plans give hope and a future. Seeking God with a pure heart, calling upon Him and pray. He promises to listen. Today can be the day, we move forward removing humble pie from our diet. God’s plans are more than we ever can imagine.

Be encouraged!