Pass Your Test
It’s been so good for my four children to be back in their schools this month...two of whom haven’t sat in a classroom for a year and a half. And though they’ve only been in school for a couple of weeks, they’re already having tests. And they are going to learn something that you probably already know: Even when we’re done with school, we will have tests for the rest of our lives.
What test are you currently facing in your life? Maybe it’s a challenging season at work. Perhaps your test has to do with a relationship in your life. Or maybe it’s a health issue. It could even be a faith crisis. Whatever test you’re going through now, I want to encourage you to pass the test.
You might be familiar with the time Jesus fed 5,000 people (actually that was just the number of men present). But you might not be as familiar with what Jesus was seeking to accomplish in this moment for his disciples. John’s gospel speaks to this.
John 6:5-6 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
What are you currently facing that is testing your faith? For me, my faith is being tested because I’m leading our church to purchase and build out a new property in San Francisco. Do you know how expensive this city is and what it takes? What seems nearly impossible in your life?
What would passing this test look like in your life? Passing this test for me looks like believing God will provide, regardless of the obstacles between here and there. I’m only called to play my part, which includes: praying for this faithfully, inviting others into the vision through prayer and giving, staying engaged with our architect and general contractor as we prepare this new space. What is your part to play in the test you’re facing?
What kind of growth and blessing could be on the other side of this test? Imagine what my future faith will be like after I’ve seen God lead us to own property in this city. What else will I be willing to believe him for? Think about the thing that seems so big right now. What if, because you pass this test, one day this current challenge will seem small?
Don’t miss what Jesus already knew. “He already had in mind what He was going to do.” And the same is true in my current test and yours. The only question is this: Will we pass the test?
