It's Only A Test!


That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the apprearing of Jesus Christ. 1Peter 1:7 KJV

Last week I celebrated my daughter's birthday in beautiful Hawaii.  During the day, we sailed on the waters and enjoyed the creation of God.  No matter how pleasant the day began, at the end of every day it rained.  After the rain was the rainbow.  

It got me to thinking about the rain in our lives.  Sometimes we're just floating along and enjoying the water and then suddenly a wave comes and rocks our boat.  We wonder why the storm had to come. God allows us to go through different storms to build our relationship with him.  Many are facing marital problems, financial situations, health challenges, and emotional brokenness.  These storms are not to tear you down but to build you up! God allows them because he knows what he has already placed in you.  Read the opening chapter of Job and the first thing you will see is God's assurance of Job's devotion and character.  God only allowed the devil to tempt Job after He testified of Job.


Naturally, when you are in a storm, you want to know how long it will last.  The Bible speaks of being tried in the fire.  The blacksmith must leave the silver in the fire until he can see his reflection in the silver.  As the impurities are burned out, the silver shines brighter.  God is looking for his reflection in you while you are yet in the fire, not just after you come out.  He wants to see your praise increase, your worship deepen, and your soul lifted.  

I was watching television late one night and all of a sudden the screen went blank.  I wasn't sure if the cable was out or the screen was glitching.  While I sat staring, a sound rang out accompanied by a familiar announcement.  "This is a test.  This station is conducting a test of the Emergency Broadcast System.  This is only a test." While the alert was on, I waited for further instructions.  When you are in a storm, it's not the time to run, isolate yourself, or throw a fit.  You must understand  that if you want the water to be troubled, you can't expect smooth sailing. Every now and then, you must be tested for your emergency departure! Will you be ready when Jesus returns?

It may be dark now, but remember, it's only a test.  Rain flushes out our maturity level.  It reveals to us where we stand with God and our expectations. As we grow in our relationship with God, we learn that we will not always get what we want from God, but we still trust Him.  We still know that He has our best interest at heart.   It's time to draw closer to God and get to know Him better.  When you know God, you can ride through the storm. 

Douglas Miller knew a little something about how I'm feeling today: "Though the storms keep on raging in my life, and sometimes it's hard to tell the night from day.  Still that hope that lies within is reassured, as I keep my eyes upon that distant shore.  I know He'll lead me safely to that blessed place He has prepared.  But if the storms don't cease and if the wind keeps on blowing in my life, my soul has been anchored in the Lord!"

Every day won't bring sunshine, but every day won't bring rain either.  Remember, it's only a test. 

Reaching the lost at any cost, 
Pastor Odie Kennedy

Photo credit: Jay Lopez

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