And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. Luke 8:13
Often I heard Dallas Willard respond with the following words to someone in a difficult period in their life. He would reply with the phrase, “this will definitely test your joy.” In many ways, it was his way of acknowledging a difficult situation. A place in life where pain and suffering leads to an unknown outcome. A time where one’s faith is being tested. Where God’s intervention is necessary to fix the problem.
In the above Scripture, Jesus was explaining a parable to his disciples. One of the challenges for those who hear God’s Word is when testing comes along. Initially, one is excited to learn new truth that helps transform one’s life. But when a difficult situation arises, one is being tested. One then is confronted by the truth. A choice needs to be made. God’s Word meets your desire. Truth confronts your willpower. Does your willpower win the test? Or does your desire quiet truth?
Jesus faced a similar test prior to HIS public ministry (Lk. 4:1-12). HE was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to face Satan. Satan attacked Jesus with doubt of HIS identity. He offered Jesus the convenience of satisfying HIS kingly role immediately. Why fulfill Scripture per HIS Father’s will when you can have it now? This was Jesus’ temptation. The result is HE passed the test.
Every one of us will face similar tests throughout our life. We will pass them and we will fail them. When passed, it will energize and assure us in our walk with Jesus. When we fail the test, God’s grace will be upon us. HE will reveal something about us that needs transformation. It will keep us humble. It will keep us leaning on HIM. It will give us a ringside seat to see how the Spirit works in us and through us.
When one is committed for the long haul, one views each test as a building block. We keep plowing ahead making adjustments toward the high call of Christ. If we are in this only for immediate gratification, we risk quitting right before the goal line.
The fruit of the Spirit includes joy. As we learn to walk empowered by the Spirit, we will be tested. Each test will reveal more about our character. Each test may temporarily rob us of our joy. Yet, as we make the effort in our life to align with the Triune God, the Spirit will give us the power to walk in Christ.
Tests are God’s way of allowing us to evaluate our true selves. Under the empowerment of HIS grace, we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us after the likeness of Jesus. Each failed test, is a course adjustment. More time to reflect on God’s character and lean on HIM.
Each passing test, is a grateful praise for the work of the Spirit in our lives. We are humbled by Christ’s work in us. For HIS joy is our constant reminder. Whether we pass or fail the test, it is better to walk with HIM then not. For when you are committed for the long haul, HE has a way of bringing out HIS joy in you through all the tests.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)
Aspirations and Writings Neatly Bound in Book Formats: (* indicates audio version now available)
- Power Up With Jesus Book Series- Aspirations for a Grace-Paced Life *
- The Adventurous Journey of Transformation in Christ *
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: A Life-Giving Worldview *
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
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