Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Blessings or Tests? by Andy Taylor
The Christian Life is a life of paradox. To really live in Christ you must die to yourself. To be great you must serve. To receive, you must give. To be exalted, you must be humble. And the list goes on and on. Looking back over my last twenty years of learning to walk with the Lord there is an incredible pattern that has existed. Looking back at those times when I was undergoing intense testing and trials, those times now appear clearly to be times of great blessing. And, equally as bizarre, now looking back at the times of blessing, it’s obvious….they were tests! The tests of our lives are truly blessings. It is during those times that we are tempered under the pressure of God. Something that is absolutely necessary if we are going to grow to spiritual maturity. I’m more serious about prayer when I’m being tested. I press in to my relationship with the Father more when I am being tested. I have really gotten to know the Father in times of testing. I just learn more when I am being tested. Looking back, it’s those times that have served to bring maturity and character in my life. Testing produces humility. With that perspective, I’d have to say that those intense tests have been some of the greatest blessings that I have experienced in my life.
On the other hand there are those times when the blessings of God are flowing! Prayers are being answered. God’s voice is easy to hear. Ministry is effective. Relationships are easier and without any serious problems. The bills are all paid. Everything seems to be working perfectly. So, here’s the test: Can I really be trusted with the abundant blessings of God? Can I remain focused on my relationship with Him and the things that matter most when everything is so perfect? Will I be grateful to the people who might bless me with gifts or services? Or will I begin to expect it? Will I cross that line of genuine servanthood to ‘professional’ ministry where I expect people to serve me? Will I, all of a sudden, think more highly of myself than I ought to think? Are you getting the picture? It would do us good to think about these things and to, at least, realize that we are at risk. Blessings bring the potential for pride. It’s the flesh…..and it’s not far from any of us.
So, you see, the blessings that we experience are some of the greatest tests of our Christian lives. I’m just like you… I love the times of blessing but I honestly realize that the times of testing are probably better for me.
The Christian Life is a life of paradox. To really live in Christ you must die to yourself. To be great you must serve. To receive, you must give. To be exalted, you must be humble. And the list goes on and on. Looking back over my last twenty years of learning to walk with the Lord there is an incredible pattern that has existed. Looking back at those times when I was undergoing intense testing and trials, those times now appear clearly to be times of great blessing. And, equally as bizarre, now looking back at the times of blessing, it’s obvious….they were tests! The tests of our lives are truly blessings. It is during those times that we are tempered under the pressure of God. Something that is absolutely necessary if we are going to grow to spiritual maturity. I’m more serious about prayer when I’m being tested. I press in to my relationship with the Father more when I am being tested. I have really gotten to know the Father in times of testing. I just learn more when I am being tested. Looking back, it’s those times that have served to bring maturity and character in my life. Testing produces humility. With that perspective, I’d have to say that those intense tests have been some of the greatest blessings that I have experienced in my life.
On the other hand there are those times when the blessings of God are flowing! Prayers are being answered. God’s voice is easy to hear. Ministry is effective. Relationships are easier and without any serious problems. The bills are all paid. Everything seems to be working perfectly. So, here’s the test: Can I really be trusted with the abundant blessings of God? Can I remain focused on my relationship with Him and the things that matter most when everything is so perfect? Will I be grateful to the people who might bless me with gifts or services? Or will I begin to expect it? Will I cross that line of genuine servanthood to ‘professional’ ministry where I expect people to serve me? Will I, all of a sudden, think more highly of myself than I ought to think? Are you getting the picture? It would do us good to think about these things and to, at least, realize that we are at risk. Blessings bring the potential for pride. It’s the flesh…..and it’s not far from any of us.
So, you see, the blessings that we experience are some of the greatest tests of our Christian lives. I’m just like you… I love the times of blessing but I honestly realize that the times of testing are probably better for me.
Labels: Blessing, Die, Grow, Live, Tempered, Testing, Trials
posted by Todd # 10:37 PM 
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