And first, let them be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them be appointed
1 timothy 3:10 (CJB)
God takes pleasure in refining each Son He receives that they will be partakers of His divine nature, Hebrews 12:6. All manufacturers include rigorous testings in the production cycle of any product that will have their brand name on it, to avoid casualties. In a similar way, testing is a part of the process that leads to our manifesting as fully grown sons of God. In today’s meditation, we will explore some more tests that the Lord allows His children to go through and how to emerge victorious.
The Time Test: Joseph – Genesis 37, Genesis 41:46.
This is when our patience runs short of God’s timing. Joseph is a classic example of a patriarch who had to undergo this test. He was shown a dream of being a deliverer and a ruler at 17 years, but he had to spend another 13 years as a slave and in prison until this dream became a reality. God is never late, but sometimes He is not early either. He is always on time. Our attitude during our time of waiting is what God looks at throughout the entire testing period.
How to pass this test: You must learn to trust Gods timing. You must learn to let go and let God. You need to determine to remain faithful, trusting that God will bring your vision to fulfillment in His perfect timing. It is important to note that delay is not denial. Time spent waiting is not wasted either. If the Lord has given you a promise and you do not see the manifestation, seek the Lord to ensure that the delay is not from your end or from the enemy. If He says wait, then wait!
The Forgiveness Test : Joseph – Genesis 45.
Joseph had finally become the ruler that God had called him to be. However, this call was not necessarily to Egypt, but to his people. If Joseph did not forgive, he would have missed out on God’s promise to Abraham and also on being the deliverer to his brothers as God had ordained him to be. God would have had to raise up another deliverer for Jacob. As Joyce Meyer says, unforgiveness is like taking poison and hoping the other person will die. This test will happen when you take up an offence, either yours or someone else’s. The entrapment of bitterness, anger and hatred flows and follows. Sometimes offences come out of misunderstandings and listening to lies from the enemy. You need to confront misunderstandings without being confrontational, so that understanding is obtained.
How to pass this test: You need to first experience the power of forgiveness, before you can extend it to others, Luke 11:4. God does not look for who was right or wrong, He is looking for the person who will die to self first. He is looking for the peacemaker. Sometimes we need to suffer ourselves to be defrauded as Paul says, 1 Corinthians 6:1-7. Modelling forgiveness to the body of Christ and the world is one of the highest callings of all who are sons of God.
Glorious things are spoken of you, Beloved. There is an ordained time of manifestation of the sons of God. Yet this sons must learn to remain in the crucible of the Lord’s dealings. Job 23:10 says “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold”.
Prayer for today: Lord Jesus, I know your thoughts towards me are good; to give me a future and a hope and an expected end. Father, help me to wait on you and allow patience to have her entire work in me, that I may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Father help me to love and forgive my brother for Christ sake, just as You forgave me for Christ sake. Help me that when I am tested, I will come out as pure gold in Your sight. Amen.
0 Comments