Tests, Trials and Storms

 I find it ironic that testing at school coincides with storm season - there are so many correlations and similarities between the two!


Testing is used as a tool to gauge how well you have learned something.  It lets you know if you've mastered a concept or need to go back and study some more.  Often times, passing the test is not enough.  You have to keep a certain level of knowledge on that subject in order to stay proficient.  You have to stay on your toes!


Storms come out of nowhere and often catch us off guard.  There is no prep time or way to study.  You have to act on pure instinct and hope you get through it.  Often you have to rely on help from others to stay safe or recover from one that has hit.


As different as the two are, the after effect is similar.  They both make you stronger.    Passing a test or coming through a storm requires, patience and endurance - two things we don't practice during times of calm.  It also requires focus and dedication.  We don't utilize those skills when we are just cruising through life - those only come into play when we need to accomplish something and usually only if it is something of importance.


It is only when we have been through many tests or weathered many storms that we begin notice that those very qualities: patience, endurance, focus and dedication are actually present with us at all times.  It is those very qualities that build our faith if we let them.  Our attitude and choices we make after the test or storm are what determine the outcome.  If we beat ourselves up over every answer we got wrong on the test and refuse to claim what we learned then we may not retain what we need to.  If we let a storm beat us up and take away our perseverance, we may become weak little wimps who can't handle the pressures of this world.


However, if we choose to ignore the mistakes or the beatings and see past all that to notice how much progress we did indeed make, we will only come out ahead.  We will be able to learn and grow from all that we went through in the midst of the test, trial or storm.


I have chosen to be thankful for every situation - even when I don't like it.  It's when I don't like what life has dealt that I've learned so much.  It is during times of discontentment that God has blessed me most.  And it is times of complacency that I've become lazy, worn out and uninspired.  So although I've always thought those who thrive on drama are a bit crazy, maybe drama can be a good thing.  I'm going to look at it that way from now on if I can :) 


1 Peter 4:12-13 “Do not be surprised at the painful things you are now suffering. These things are testing your faith.” 

Don’t tell God how big your storm is. Tell your storm how big your God is!

Sometimes God calms the storm and sometimes God lets the storm rage and calms His child.  (this one is my favorite!!!)  He has calmed me A LOT !