Are We Passing the Tests?

The other day I had a young student who was making bad choices, so as standard practice, I asked him to sit out and reflect on his choices while I continued working with the other students. I then approached his tantrum of kicking a padded post and crying. I asked if he understood what he had done wrong and he said yes and was able to explain. I encouraged him to ask Jesus who lives on the inside of him, to help him when he is tempted to make a bad choice. He said he had, but it didn't help. I had to smile at his innocence, but also thought of us adults. How easy it is to say I tried, but then the temptation was too great, so I did what I wanted because it was easier, I needed the money, everyone else was doing it etc..

God's word on the inside of us however, helps us to stand strong when we are tempted.
1 Corinthian's 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

 Just the other day I found out that a development where I had bought a lot has been foreclosed on and my lot is not able to be developed, because the infrastructure is not completed. That means I continue to be liable for an improvement bill on the property, that is no longer in business. Hmmm....In the natural that does not seem right and many other lot owners have stopped paying their taxes and fees feeling more than justified in doing so. As I contemplate this action myself, I reflect on what God's word says and what his spirit in me says. As much as I would like not to pay, I know that as God's child I have to take the high road, even when it costs me financially and is not fair in the natural.

How about you? Are you giving in to peer pressure, financial issues, or a selfish desire? When we pass the small tests, God is able to use us for something bigger. Throughout the bible it talks about the talents and multiplying those who were faithful in the small and being rewarded with more. He says that when we are faithful in the little, he can entrust us with more. Luke 16:10 "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much."

Are you in the furnace of temptation right now, being shaped for God's work, passing the integrity tests?

In the bible it says that we are light in darkness. Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed. Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."

I encourage you to stand strong and when in doubt ask, what would Jesus do? All to quickly the answer becomes crystal clear!

Godspeed today.....