"You can't have a testimony without a test......"

“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!