Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12 ESV
Pass or Fail
Tests will come to the people of God. That is a simple fact of life. How we process the test determines whether we will pass or fail. If we merely look at the test itself, we can easily begin to spiral downward into self-pity. Self-pity is a trap that will drown us if left unchecked. It can cause us to seek out all kinds of false comforts that will inevitably lead us into sin. Failure is imminent.
Able to Stand
If, on the other hand, we look at the test from our exalted position with Christ, we will begin to see everything clearly. We will see what our enemy is trying to do. We will also see what the Lord is seeking to accomplish. We will be able to relate to the test from the standpoint of truth. We will then be able to stand with the Lord and see Him act on our behalf.
The Difference
It all comes back to the difference between looking at or looking through. If we merely look at the test our sight will be limited. If we look through the test we will see it in light of the bigger picture. We need to make a habit of sitting with the Lord and allowing Him to show us what is going on. The only way to properly relate to the tests of life is by living in the Reign.
M
Living in the Reign 
I trust that it is okay to share this thought with our cell group. If you are needing to get out, we are meeting at Smitty’s at 8:30 this morning.Then you can share these words yourself. LOLI plan to have a printed copy for each one. Seeing as they are mostly hard of hearing, that makes it is easier for them to follow. Violet
From: Living in the Reign To: velabela@yahoo.ca Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2017 5:16 AM Subject: [New post] Tests #yiv1641093932 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv1641093932 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv1641093932 a.yiv1641093932primaryactionlink:link, #yiv1641093932 a.yiv1641093932primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv1641093932 a.yiv1641093932primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv1641093932 a.yiv1641093932primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv1641093932 WordPress.com | Mac Dumcum posted: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12 ESVPass or FailTests will come to the people of God. That is a simple fact of life. How we process ” | |
You can share it however you feel you need too. Glad you found it helpful!