TESTED
TESTED
Be thankful for your trials. If you’re being tested, you’re being perfected. Which means you have a divine purpose and reason to rejoice! ~ unknown
What do you think about that? God invests in those he can use. Being pruned, tested, and invested in is good. HOW DO YOU NORMALLY REACT WHEN YOU ARE TESTED?
We’re supposed to rejoice in our suffering (Col 1:24) WHAT?
WHY? Because it gets us one step closer to gain.
THE PROBLEM: (It’s painful, embarrassing, exhausting) Although none of us enjoy the tests (TRIALS) that come our way, while coaching I see one of two types. 1) those who do all they can to get out of the circumstance, wondering when God is going to take the discomfort away. 2) those who almost welcome it, knowing that in the end, they will be all the better.
Where are you?
THE WORD: “We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously”. I Corinthians 10:13-14, TPT
The Apostle Paul shared four important realities that Christians can hold on to when tested.
- It is a normal part of life. Everyone will be tested off and on throughout life.
- It is an opportunity to trust God’s faithfulness. We can view our tests as the worse thing in the world, or we can trust that God will provide. Testing stretches us, which deepens our faith and walk.
- We will never be tested beyond what we can bear. When we feel that we can take no more, we can lean into God’s promise and hold on to the truth that he knows everything about the test we are going through — the severity, nature, and timing — and through him, we can endure.
- God always provides a way of escape and eventually, victory. The escape and victory can look different for each test. For some, the victory may not be on earth, but when they are triumphantly dancing in heaven.
Could you use an escape, a win? Does COVID have you tested beyond your belief?
Put your trust in God and see what he can do because…
THE GIFT: God is faithful to us when we go through tests… see we come out with a VICTORY1
I see it all the time with my clients. You are often a Victim BED or Victor OAR
VICTIM B.E.D. Blame, Excuse, Deny.
VICTOR O.A.R. Ownership: do your part/pray/word, Accountable: to God, not the hardship, Responsible: for your actions- if you don’t gain you know why, parents who used the time, spouses who developed new routines.
THE CHOICE: The next time you feel tested, you have a choice of how to respond. You can grumble and be a victim, or you can be secure in the knowledge that testing is a normal part of life, and God already has provided you the victory.
Q&A portion of the call.
Kyndal: We have 4 children ages 6-12 and our community isn’t resuming school this year. I’m so frustrated. I wish we could move but my husband’s work is here. My job has is being held for me (for as long as they can) but there is no way my kids could stay home alone and homeschool. I hate to admit it but often wonder where God is. We just can’t get a break. We are on one salary and have more mouths to feed with everyone at home. We had to still pay for school even though we are not having it. I understand the teachers that are doing some online classes need to be paid but they are providing very little teaching. It’ so disheartening. I worry I am not doing enough by myself, and if my children will fall behind because I do not know how to keep them engaged and learning. We are fighting, tired, and it’s wearing on me.
Let’s do as the talk show teaches. So, consider the problem: fighting, tired, not equipped, tight on money.
- fighting is the side effect, fix the root of the problem and this will resolve.
- Tired-I heard you say ‘doing enough myself’ why are you doing it yourself.
- How are you using God?
- Are you tapping into wise counsel?
- Ill-equipped:
- Gifts and talents
- Grow their gifts
- Tight on money
- Have kids pitch in
- Sell some possessions
Neil: I should be grateful I have a job during COVID. My paychecks are actually higher than normal, but I am struggling to remain positive. I listen to constant complaining about rules and rebellion of rules. I listen to people be crazy scared and others disrespectful of other concerns. I come home completely worn out and them my family who has been cooped up at home are ready for a new face but I just want to shut down.
- It is a normal part of life. Everyone will be tested off and on throughout life.
- A SEASON Ecclesiastes
- It is an opportunity to trust God’s faithfulness. We can view our tests as the worse thing in the world, or we can trust that God will provide. Testing stretches us, which deepens our faith and walk.
- I think we sometimes think that if we aren’t super happy then we are faithless. Give yourself a little grace.
- We will never be tested beyond what we can bear. When we feel that we can take no more, we can lean into God’s promise and hold on to the truth that he knows everything about the test we are going through — the severity, nature, and timing — and through him, we can endure.
- So start asking or be sure you keep asking him how to proceed. Use Jesus as an example. When tested he always when to God in prayer/WITH god. Music get filled up.
- God always provides a way of escape and eventually, victory. The escape and victory can look different for each test. For some, the victory may not be on earth, but when they are triumphantly dancing in heaven.
- Think hope, speak hope. Make plans, it gets your thoughts there. Hope expectantly
Romans 8:25-27
25 But if we wait expectantly for things we have never seen, then we hope with true perseverance and eager anticipation.
26 A similar thing happens when we pray. We are weak and do not know how to pray, so the Spirit steps in and articulates prayers for us with groaning too profound for words. 27 Don’t you know that He who pursues and explores the human heart intimately knows the Spirit’s mind because He pleads to God for His saints to align their lives with the will of God?
Alright, folks that is gonna do on this episode of Living Within the Sweet Spot.
Jesus looked at them & said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Math 19:26
Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and please subscribe to my iTunes & YouTube
I’ll see you next week, go live | love | learn | lead according to the call God has on your sweet life.
Niccie Kliegl CLC, RN
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Responses