I have a Joyce Meyer daily devotional plan on my Bible on my iPhone. It even reminds me every day to read it!
I've been lacking. Some days I just ignore it. I know I shouldn't. I know I need to draw closer to God, not ignore Him. Regardless of my feelings, I do find some comfort in knowing I am a child of God and that He does have an ultimate plan for our lives. I cannot imagine going through this without my God by my side.
But I'm still human. I still feel the emotions that come with testing. I can still feel lonely. I can still be sad. And I am.
But today when I opened up my devotional, it was just enough to help me through ... just today. Just one day at a time. That's all I'm striving for at this point.
Here is what it said...coincidence? I think not. My God is not a God of coincidence.
Life is filled with challenges that test our determination and our faith in God. Whether we're faced with the impending threat of evil or with everyday hassles, the quality of our character is sure to be tested on a regular basis.
It would be a great mistake to overlook the fact that God tests our hearts, our emotions, and our minds. What does it mean to test something? It means to put pressure on it to see if it will do what it says it will do. Will it hold up under stress? Can it perform at the level its maker says it can? Is it genuine when measured against a true standard of quality?
God does the same with us.
Are you being tested today? The key is to keep trusting God, even if you don't understand. There is no such thing as trusting God without unanswered questions, but when you push ahead, despite your doubts, HE will build you up and make you strong.
I'm not perfect, and I don't claim to be on a spiritual high, happy and joyous that God is testing me. BUT - I'm going to try just a little harder to face each day with "God, what are you trying to teach me?" and use whatever that is for His glory.
