Test Time

This is a devotional from an Army Chaplain. I thought it would encourage you as it did me. Blessings to you during this Easter season. Spring is such a time of renewal for me.

“Test Time”
Tomorrow morning I am going to be tested. I am going to pull myself up out of bed at 0430 to go take a PT test and I am not looking forward to it. Even though in my almost 15 years of active duty and over 7 years of National Guard and Reserve duty I have never failed a PT test, I am still a little nervous. What if something goes wrong? What if I have the world’s toughest grader? What if I get hurt and can’t do as well? Oh well, I still have to go because I know that If I am going to be in the Army then PT tests are a part of life. I also know that PT tests only help to make me stronger.
Spiritual tests are also a part of life. While we may not look forward to having our faith tested, we might as well get used to tests. Even though tests are no fun, God is always fair, always with us and always willing to give us His grace and strength to help us. So, when the next test comes your way, when everything is going wrong, when the children are screaming, when you are running late for work, when the devil is working overtime on you, when the tire is flat and your bank account is empty, smile! Remember, it’s all just another test. Keep trusting God, keep praying, hang in there, and you will make it through. At least until the next test comes your way. Besides, testing will only make you stronger.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2-3).