By Doug Creamer

Testing Us

            I enjoy my job at the community college where I am helping students earn their high school equivalency. There are four tests students must pass in order to earn their diploma. Students have to become proficient in language arts, math, science, and social studies. We have daytime classes in person and online. There is also an online evening program. We push the students to grow in their knowledge and skills so they can pass the tests and graduate.

            We have some practice tests to help students prepare for their testing experience. Nerves can get in the way. Sometimes students struggle with the tests. We are there to encourage and support them through the process. It is so exciting to see our students pass tests and achieve success.

            Despite all the instruction and preparation, sometimes our students come up a little short on the tests. It’s hard for them and we feel it too. We sit down with them and work on areas that need reinforcing. We have been seeing some great success with our students. It is very rewarding when students pass their tests. The excitement spreads like wildfire to the other students.

            When it comes down to it, most of us don’t like tests, especially medical tests. The reality is that we will all face a variety of different tests in life. Some will come out good while others will prove to be challenging. It’s okay to admit that you are scared or don’t like change. We have to own up to our weaknesses and develop strategies for improvement. With faith, grace, and change we will push through and overcome.

            Tests and changes reach beyond the classroom to our professional lives. Teachers and doctors take tests to maintain their licenses. Most professionals that require state licenses will require professional development and often tests. It’s hard to avoid being tested.

            I believe that God is in the testing business, too. God wants to know if we trust Him. The best way for Him to figure that out is to put us in situations where we have to trust Him. When we can lean on Him and believe that He has our best interests at heart, He knows that we trust Him. Can we walk through difficult circumstances while trusting God?

            One specific way is to see if we believe God is our provider. He will allow circumstances in our lives that will test us to see if we believe that God will provide for us. Our bank accounts may not sustain us through a financial crisis, but will we trust God or lean on our own understanding? I have seen God come through for us so many times and provide in what seemed to me to be miraculous ways. Don’t think that I didn’t struggle with doubt and worry…I failed those tests…but I have seen God’s faithfulness time after time.

            God also wants to know if we will be obedient when we are facing odds that are against us. In the Bible, we are told of huge armies that came against Israel. God would tell the people what to do if they wanted to see victory. One time, they sent the musicians in front of the army. Another time, they marched around Jericho for seven days and then God made the city walls come crashing down. And a young boy named David defeated a giant with a small stone. Have you ever faced insurmountable odds and seen God come through for you?

            God knows that the only way to grow your faith muscles is to test them and stretch them. He has to give you chances to trust and lean on Him in order for you to turn to Him in your challenging moments. He wants to come through for you and confirm in you the depth of His love for you. He wants to prove to you that He has an eye on your situation and that He knows every detail. There is no need to worry or live in fear because He’s got you.  

            I want to encourage you to trust in God with every circumstance or situation you are facing. He has a plan that is unique for you. He sees you on the other side. He knows how you will find victory and build a deeper faith and trust in Him. He hasn’t forsaken you. He is walking with you through your situation. There is nothing too difficult for Him. You will overcome because He made you to be an overcomer. He wants to build a testimony in your life to His goodness. So let the tests come, you will pass them one by one.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com