“You can't have a
testimony without a test....”
How true those words are..
and how hard they are to comprehend at times. A test... many things
can be measured by “a test”--- your knowledge of a certain
subject is what comes to mind first.
But so many other things
can be measured by a person's personal “test of faith.” I know
for me personally, my knowledge of faith wasn't necessarily tested-
but learned, improved, given.
A persons perseverance. I
like to think of this as a “sink or swim” scenario. How much
weight can your shoulders hold? How strong are you? How far can you
go before you sink? Sinking isn't a terrible thing-- if you sink into
the right hands. That's where I believe people get “wrong.” Some
sink into alcohol, drugs, sex, whatever else... but some sink into
The Hands of God-- which is right where you're suppose to be- all the
time, but for some reason it's easier to do during your “test of
faith.” Some fight it.. saying they don't “need” Him... that's
where some addictions come from-- I know I'm possibly one of the most
hard-headed individuals... but I did finally figure out I could not
persevere alone.. A person needs that “Lifejacket” whether they
want to admit it or not.
A persons ability to
stand. Standing on your own two feet. Standing for what you believe
in. Standing for the rights and respect for others. Standing for
Jesus. Standing for the Glory in all things-- big and small- good and
bad. Standing alone. Standing with others. Are you able to stand and
not be pushed down?
A person's ability to
fight. Not physically punching someone or something.. but fighting
for your self.. fighting for others.. Fighting for what's right after
you stand for it. Everyone won't agree with you or believe the same
things you do.. but if you know in your soul it's right--- will you
fight??? I know I will.
A persons hope. Hope for a
tomorrow. Hope for peace. Hope for others. Hope for what's right.
Hope for better days. Hope for a cure. Hope for a solution. Just
hope.... think about it--- how many times a day to you say the word
“hope”???? “I hope she gets better.” “I hope tomorrow is
better.” “I hope no one else ever has to feel this way.” “I
hope the sun shines this weekend.” “I hope we win.” Hope. You
hope for all things and have faith those things will work out for the
best..... God's plan.
A person's courage..
Courage isn't always loud.. Courage can be quiet.. a small small
voice. Courage to get out of the bed. Courage to make it through the
day. Courage to face the world. Courage to change yourself. Courage
to change things—- like policies, people, opinions, protocols.
Courage to stand up and speak for those who can't. Courage to
challenge others. Courage to make a statement. Courage to drive past
a particular place. Courage to go back somewhere that you once left.
Courage to challenge. Courage to be the person God wants you to be...
not the one the world wants to see. Courage to let go. Courage to be
better than you were yesterday. And courage to try again if you fail.
A person's ability to
change. Change... Change is scary.. any kind, any where... it is
terrifying. The unknown of what's to come and what's going to happen
next.... but I have learned that sometimes you have to reach rock
bottom to know--- fully understand what you're made of. And once you
learn those scary characteristics of yourself-- you must change.
Change your way of thinking. Change the way you achieve your goals.
Change your goals and dreams. Change your way of life-- every way of
it. Change the way you react. Change your attitude. Change your
outlook. But.. sometimes.. at the right time... Change is good.
A persons faith. Faith.
What is faith? Faith is believing in something you cannot see. Faith
is knowing deep within your soul everything will work out for the
best... maybe not the best for your plans, but for God's plan for
you. Faith is trusting in God to carry you when you can no longer
walk alone. Faith is knowing “this” is a test of your faith....
and like all tests you probably won't get it right the first go
round.. I know for me it took several times falling on my face---
doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results.
Faith in prayer--- prayer for anything and anyone. Faith in God's
will. Faith that even if you don't like the outcome, it's not up to
you and it happened for a reason...Faith in trust. FAITH FAITH FAITH
FAITH...... FAITH!!
During hard times...
difficult situations.. life's struggles everyone's faith is put to
test. I've learned that its not necessarily tested for knowledge..
but ones ability to gain knowledge, understanding, and acceptance.
The ability to trust.. in something you cannot see.. you can only
feel within your soul and believe.
“You can't have a
testimony without a test... Don't give up!”
What a testimony your life
will be when you pass your everlasting test of faith.
No one said you had to it
gracefully... and no one ever said it would be easy.
Don't give up!
