Tag Archives: testing

Tagged , , , ,

“But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.  When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”  (Matthew 7:26-27, NLT)

Most of our personal calamities or failures occur for lack of obedience to Jesus’ teaching.  It is not because the calamity is God’s “payback” for our disobedience; rather, it is because we have ignored God’s blueprint that we discover, frequently in tears, that our own designs are inadequate for the stresses of life.  In this instance, we are responsible for our choices.

It is helpful to note that in Jesus’ parable, both houses are beat upon by the rains, and assaulted by the floods.  However, only the house built on a solid rock is able to withstand the events that test our foundation.

When the next storm of life arrives, will your life’s foundation prove adequate?  Jesus says, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” (verse 24)  – Luther

Tagged , , , ,

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”  (James 1:12, NIV)

The disciple of Jesus receives a test as a good thing.

Although times of examination are seldom pleasant, the outcome of testing reveals the nature of the stuff we’re made.  Only the person who has persevered under trial knows — really knows — the stuff of which he or she is made.  Without testing, we’re just guessing.

To “pass” a test of our spiritual selves requires only perseverance.  We need not persevere perfectly, but we do need to persevere faithfully.

The strength to persevere comes when we keep ours eyes fixed on Christ under even the most difficult of circumstances.  Doing so assures capital “L” Life for us.  We apprehend it in no other way.  – Luther

Special note: Today marks the 247th anniversary of the founding of the U. S. Marine Corps.  God’s grace, mercy and peace to all who have worn the eagle, globe, and anchor insignia — and to their parents, spouses, and children.  Happy birthday, Marines!  Semper fidelis!

Tagged , , ,
%d bloggers like this: