Do you pass the Test?

Life is hard and that is a fact that I will stand by always!  Even when it is good... it is hard.  In the times when we face difficulty the true story comes from how we handled the hard parts.  It is very easy to cut and run, but in that, where is our faith?  

We say that we trust God in all things and that he has "a plan", but then we decide to make decisions that not only impact our lives, but our witness to others as well.  We did not seek THE plan, HIS plan and therefore we are not Godly in our pursuits.  To me, the hard times are tests of our fortitude and some tests, much like those in school, are just harder because the subject matter requires more studying and dedication. Tests of life are the same...requiring true diligence in studying the Bible and knowing it when we speak!

When you were a school student, did you have the option to not take a test? No, and neither did I, so how can we do the same with the tests of life?  How can we decide that we will not be a part of the test or have the answers for others in the test?  We simply cannot turn away, we cannot be pushed away, we cannot fail in our tests because we then fail God.  

Ephesians 6:10-13 directs us to put on the "full armor of God"....10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[c]against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

God tells us how to be ready, to be strong and to recognize where our strength comes from..."be strong in the Lord!!!".  There is no question of what he expects of us when life is hard, but do we follow the directions, do we make notes and study, do we let HIM handle it? Often, much like school children, we talk about it and decide what we are going to do if this or that happens.  We feed into the trap that has been set for us and because we are in a hard time and distracted by the works of the devil, it is easy for us lose our focus and forget our armor!  

I am committed to God and God only in MY hard times!  I am committed to HIS church and HIS people in OUR hard times!  So, because of my commitment, I will not put down my shield!  I will not walk away or make decisions that I do not feel like God supports.  Life is Hard, but eternity in Hell would be harder!  Do not fail the test!  Do not turn away from what you know is biblically right and do not invite the devil into your home!  Trust God and his promises and that he is here with us....even when the hard seems to be too much!  

Ephesians 6:14-20

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.