Testing

When God sends testing, He doesn't ask for permission. Otherwise most of us would never be tested. Pain is something that we naturally avoid... God made us that way. We instinctively pull our hand away from the heat. We question the sanity of a person who likes pain. People who cut or burn themselves need counseling or even more extreme corrective measures.

So when the heat is turned up in our life it is not surprising that we want out. Pulling, away from the things that we perceive as painful, we seek relief in a myriad of comforts. What God asks is not that we seek out testing or enjoy it, but that we have faith when it does come. Jesus invites us to come to Him for comfort. He says, "Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden." Try to picture the masses of humanity responding to that invitation. What a sorry bunch we are, limping and hunched under a burden, taking that road less traveled, jeering catcalls at our backs. We press on in faith...

He asks that we have faith in His desire, purpose and power to refine us and make us holy. We take the yoke with Him in the hope for rest, relief and joy. Other comforts are empty, worn out promises. We still pray for a way out of the pain, we look for ways to minimize the suffering, but we must wait patiently for His perfect time. Stay the course! Be the hopeful pilgrim that God has called you to be.