January 6: EXPECT TO BE TESTED

For by Thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. Psalm 18:29 KJV

Jesus paid fully the price, or wages, of our sin. He died the death of total separation from God. He willingly bore the terrible cost out of a love we cannot comprehend. Sin, our greatest burden, has been lifted. Salvation, our greatest need, has been provided. The only proper response is to live for Him. The life of Christ in us will go to work, to powerfully drive out the “unclean spirits” behind all of our complaining, criticizing, slothfulness, procrastination, and the rest of the troop of undesirable attributes that hinder submission to His will.

As for that high wall that rises before us when we determine to trust and obey the LORD, He has informed us that our enemy will employ individuals, systems, and situations to come against us. We should expect testing. How else are we to know where we are standing regarding character development?

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 1 Peter 4:12-14

Remember that our Creator is the Master Designer who allows adversities in your life to see if you can leap over them! Our sanctification involves a series of “forks in the road” whereby opportunities to make righteous choices will develop in us a character of holiness. You will soar over each high wall by standing determinedly on the foundation of His principles, by perseverance in prayer, and by resting in His promises.

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8