This is only a test - Episode 276

<p>This is a test.</p> <p> </p> <p>James 1: 2- My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into diversE temptations</p> <p>1 Peter 1:7-That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:</p> <p>1 Thessalonians 2:4-But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.</p> <p>Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.</p> <p>2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.</p> <p> </p> <p>Being tested by God has been misunderstood by many. It is clear in the scriptures that God does test us. However, God does not send sickness, disease, or calamity into our lives to test us. Those things steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who came to give us abundant life.</p> <p> </p> <p>Being tested by God is a matter of the heart and for a specific purpose. Understanding why God tests us will empower us not only to endure the tests but find joy in them.</p> <p> </p> <p>What Is Testing</p> <p>Testing can feel like a negative thing. Have you ever been nervous to take a test in school? But testing isn’t designed to be negative.</p> <p> </p> <p>How the Cambridge Dictionary defines test is:</p> <p>1. A way of discovering, by questions or practical activities, what someone knows, or what someone or something can do or is like.</p> <p>2. A medical examination of part of your body in order to find out how healthy it is or what is happening with it.</p> <p>3. An act of using something to find out if it is working correctly or how effective it is.</p> <p>4. A situation that shows how good something is.</p> <p> </p> <p