To Prove You
Deuteronomy 13: 2-3
Deuteronomy13: 2-3
"And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;
Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams:, for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul"
I wish we always knew God is at the centre of a test. Or that you are under a test?
God sometimes proves to us, who are his children. Do not we do the same to our own fellow?
Be prepared at all times to obey God, not because of the smooth life and easiness but even when it doesn't seem to come naturally when pain or hurt is involved, or it is so difficult, still follow the Lord. When it is coming in a disguised manner, perhaps from a trusted friend or family, be sure to discern and say." This may be a test!"
It is at this time that the strength of true children of God is revealed, from the unstable ones, those who are faint-hearted, and the weak strength is revealed.
If thou faint in the days of adversity, thy strength is small.
In times of difficulty, note this:
God will need to grant us more experience to be able to bless lives which will need guidance from those experiences. Two things are involved, we cannot give what we ourselves do not have. If we successfully pass God's tests, we can confidently, by testimony and confirmation of the Holy Spirit minister help to those plying the same road. The second thing involved is while we perform our duty, note that every opportunity to bless lives comes by grace, we must not do so to bring our brother down, to humiliate or cause more despair. It is the word that convicts not the sternness or volume of our voice. If the matter requires sternness, in all God's capacity, make it so but if it requires a gentle assurance or confirmation of God's validation on a poor lonely soul, discharge with utmost care as one handling a broken heart. If God will have you publicly warn an erring soul for others as well to learn, go ahead in this might, only be sure that you are not running before the Holy Spirit. We must not be careless in the ministry to which God has given us, or else we become capable of ruining completely those we intend to save whether in speech or conduct; for our own testimony by our life can hinder God's move and our genuine desire to save others.
Watch out, and be diligent, you never know when a test is coming your way. A test of Faithfulness like Job or Faith like Abraham? We may never know if it comes with a promotion.
Our promotion may not be physical, but certain additional tasks, certain fitness for higher duty, or a greater measure of grace. It may be a blessing in physical realms, as well as spiritual; all come from God for all are genuine branches of God.
May God give us grace.