Why Dread the Test?
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“After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’” (Genesis 22:1 ESV)
This verse refers to the birth of Abraham’s son Isaac, and his covenant with the Philistines to live in peace. These were two huge acts of grace on God’s part. Then came the test. Abraham was called to give up the very thing he’d pleaded for years—Isaac. Isaac was the beginning of God’s promise to make Abraham’s descendents more numerous than the stars. Could he trust God enough to give back his son?
Do you feel as if you are being tested? If you wonder why all of a sudden, after you have seem to be walking in God’s favor, things are not as they should be, take heart. This may be a test. God loves you too much to be either just a fair weathered friend or a granddaddy with large pockets to grant your every desire. If that were the case, your growth as his child would be stunted. You’d end up a shallow, spoiled little brat—not the mature, caring adult He knows you can become. The testing times are when we experience huge growth spurts. We learn best from our trials, not our successes.
No one likes to take tests. But with God, failure is not an issue. He is the loving Father of second chances, and thirds, and more. Tests are given to see what we have learned and what we need to continue to learn. Divine tests are given to show us what we know, not to show God. God already knows. He isn’t the one who needs proof—you and I are.
Consider the trial you are experiencing to be like a mirror. Be sure to notice the good which is being reflected as well as the areas which need improving. Don’t get bent over with guilt or shame, or knotted up with worry. Sit up straight, see yourself as you are – grown and growing still. Then, reach up to the Test Giver in thanksgiving for the pop test He has slapped on your spiritual desk. Instead of groaning, be more like Abraham. Tell God, “Here I am. I am ready. Lay it on me.”
You just may get an A for effort posted on the Heavenly refrigerator door.
Father, It says in Your word that I should rejoice when I face trials. Give me the grace to do that, especially when I don’t feel like it. Amen.
Question: If you are being tested right now, how will you choose to respond?
3 Responses to “Why Dread the Test?”
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Hi KB, Pastoring is such a difficult calling because when Satan takes out a pastor there is often an impact on many more people as well. You can really become a target for his attacks. I think you are wise to look for encouragement from others in ministry as well. I would encourage you and your husband to find another pastor and wife that you can share your stories with and pray together. Paul tells us to bear one another’s burdens but that can only happen if we are willing to share our burden with another brother or sister.
One of the ministries of Power To Change is “Oasis” which is a ministry towards pastors. Bob & Penny Armstrong are great people who God has used to help pastors and their spouses through difficult time. You can get contact information for them at http://oasisretreatscanada.com. You may not be located near them in Canada but they would be a good resource to find something in your own local area.
You are right in prioritizing your husband’s health. I have known many pastors who felt compelled to keep pressing on and have really been compromised. My uncle, from firsthand experience, would encourage your husband to talk to his doctor soon and get help. That help needs to address both the physical and emotional aspects of his health.
Lord God I pray for this shepherding couple and ask that You would intervene and lead them into a direction of health. Bring people around them who will bring comfort, wisdom, encouragement and friendship. Amen.
Right now I am going thru a test. And I want my response to be yes. Yes to God and yes to the test. My prayer is that this temporary trial will renew me & bring me and my husband closer.
My husband and I are going through so many storms off and on in the last couple of years to the point that we feel as we cannot go on anymore. He is a pastor of our church. He works a full time job and is a full time pastor and it has worn him smooth out to the point it is effecting his health. We don’t know what to do anymore. People seem to be so uncaring and not helpful which puts a even bigger load and burden on him and others. We are truly seeking God on what our next step should be. His health comes first. If there are any pastor’s and pastors wives out there that have been through this that could give some helpful insight it would be much appreciated. We feel as though everyone is turning their back on the ministry and on our friendship.