The Discouragement Test

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters:

but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”

I Samuel 30:6 (KJV)Cross references:

 

Atta-boy!

Way to go!

Keep up the good work!

We all love and need to hear encouragement.

But what do you do when all your struggles and all of your best efforts are met with silence?

More importantly, what do you do when you think you cannot take another step unless you hear the cheers of those on the sidelines?

What do you do when you are in the midst of, what seems to you, the greatest test you have ever faced and absolutely no one slaps you on the back and says: “You can make it!”?

The first thing you can do is realize that we all will face a discouragement test.

God brings that test into your life to teach you how to draw strength and encouragement from Him.

You see, sometimes serving God can be very unpopular.

Not everyone will agree with your choices and decisions.

Not everyone will agree with the direction your life is taking.

Sometimes God will require you to do things that just don’t seem to make sense.

There may be a lot of people with words for you – but they are words of discouragement!

What do you do then?

Have you learned through testing how to encourage yourself in the Lord?

David did.

Where else could he turn?

We are told in todays verse that the souls of all the people were grieved.

David couldn’t expect encouragement from the people.

As a matter of fact they were inclined to stone him, not to lift his spirit.

The word ‘encouraged’ in our text today is a Hebrew word which means to ‘fasten upon’.

You might say David knew he was in for a bumpy ride so he ‘fastened himself’ upon God.

Did he worship?

Did he pray?

Did he rehearse in his mind what God had done for him in the past?

We are not told how he encouraged himself but we are told in whom he encouraged himself.

Are you in a rough patch in life?

Don’t rely on your own past exploits, your own strength; instead –

Encourage yourself in the Lord!

The Servant Test

“But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table?

But I am among you as one who serves.”

Luke 22:26-27Cross references:

 

1. Genesis 3:1 : Job 1:7; 2:2; 2Co 11:3; Rev 12:9; 20:2
2. Genesis 3:1 : S Ge 2:17

What a long lost concept servant hood is.

Sure, we have an entire industry called the ‘service industry’ but that is not what I am talking about. Listen to this description of a servant from Philippians 2:5-8

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

 Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself
    and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

That is being a servant who is willing to lay down their life for others.

Even when those ‘others’ express no thanks or gratitude for what you have done.

Can you be that kind of servant?

Sure, with that question we all mentally inventory our ministry service.

We think that perhaps our years of faithful service in the nursery must count for something.

 But let’s be very honest here.

Much of what we do in ministry has its’ rewards.

To be entrusted by God to do great things in His Kingdom you will be tested specifically in service to those who can give nothing back or who choose to give nothing back in return.

In other words the motivation of your service will be tested.

Don’t misunderstand. I am not denigrating anyone’s service in ministry including those faithful in the church nursery.

But there will come a time demands you serve the ungrateful, the uncooperative and perhaps the openly hostile.

If you doubt that go back and check out Jesus’ last day or two before the cross.

Neither He nor His Father cancelled the cross because public opinion was not with them.

He was a servant.

We will face the servant test so beyond our concept of service that it will be apparent Gods’ grace must be poured out on us to succeed.

The Submission Test

“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you

as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be

 a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

Hebrews 13:17Cross references:

 

Let’s continue our look this week at some of the tests we will face as followers of Christ.

The word submission actually carries with it the clues to its definition.

Webster’s defines submission as: the act of submitting, yielding or surrendering.

But whenever I look at the word ‘submission’ I always see two words:

‘sub’ which means under or beneath and, of course the word mission.

So when I look at the word I see my responsibility in submitting as coming under another person’s mission.

In Western cultures in particular, we really struggle with that concept.

We want to be fiercely independent and not have to answer to anyone.

But, as you know, the Kingdom of God is not a democracy.

“Wait just a minute!” you say – “I thought God had a plan and purpose for my life?”

He does – but those plans and purposes will never unfold void of submission but rather as an integral part of it.

The man who says he answers to no one but God usually is headed for a cliff.

It is, in part, through the process of submitting to authorities on earth that we learn to submit to our heavenly Father.

Don’t fall victim to the lie that we are subject to no one.

As I submit my will and come under the authorities God has brought into my life for my growth in Him, I am given authority in His Kingdom.  

Don’t expect to walk in authority in the Kingdom of God if you refuse to submit to those God has placed in authority over you.

Don’t look at it just as:

Another day – another test;

but rather – another test so another opportunity to grow in the things of God!

He’s preparing you for great things.

 

Genesis 3:1 : Job 1:7; 2:2; 2Co 11:3; Rev 12:9; 20:2

 

The Failure Test

“for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again,
    but the wicked are brought down by calamity.”

Proverbs 24:16Cross references:

1. Genesis 3:1 : Job 1:7; 2:2; 2Co 11:3; Rev 12:9; 20:2
2. Genesis 3:1 : S Ge 2:17
Failure

Few enjoy admitting it but all will deal with it.

The man or woman who claims no failures in their life is the man or woman guilty of lying.

The greatest gift of failure may be the lesson learned.

While the greatest tragedy of failure may be a lesson wasted because it is not learned.  

When we fail, we are often humbled and better prepared to be used by God.

Success does not always bring those same rewards for our spiritual walk.

If anything, success may carry more traps for us than failure does.

Noah, Abraham, David and Peter all had ‘colossal’ failures recorded in scripture.

But all were also greatly used by God.

Someone once said of failure:

“Whenever you fall, pick up something.”

Might I suggest that when you fall, when you fail, drop your plans but pick up the Lords.

After Peter’s denial, we are told that he wept bitterly.

 That failure did not define his future as a future of failures.

Our failures shouldn’t either.

Place your failures in Gods’ hands, ask Him for the strength to persevere, to humbly continue in your work for Him and to be used by Him in great ways.

Failures can be a test, taking you to the next level or they can be an end paralyzing you from further advances in God.

Don’t be afraid of the tests.

Don’t be afraid of the failures.  

The Motivation Test

“He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.”

John 7:18Cross references:

 

1. Genesis 3:1 : Job 1:7; 2:2; 2Co 11:3; Rev 12:9; 20:2
2. Genesis 3:1 : S Ge 2:17

If you are one who struggles with a ‘test phobia’, then todays’ blog will most certainly put you to the test (pun intended!).

The purpose of the motivation test in your walk with God is to teach you to give Him all the glory.

What motivates you in ministry?

What draws you into service?

Is it love for God?

Is it a longing to see His Kingdom come in the earth?

or

Is it a love of self?

Is it a longing to receive credit for being Gods’ man of power?

Some might think this is a test only for those in what we might call “mega-ministries”.

That is a naïve and dangerous assumption.

Pride can be just as much of a stumbling block to the man or woman of ‘low estate’!

God will greatly use the person who is humble and quick to give Him all the glory.

Every one of us will face this test multiple times.

 Jesus was sinless – if anyone had reason to boast in Himself it would be Him.

Yet whose honor did He seek?

John 17:4 tells us:

 ^“I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.”

Jesus’ motivation – His desire – was to glorify the Father through obedience to His will.

Every miracle he performed, every truth He spoke, every sacrifice He made was done to bring the glory and honor to His Father in heaven.

He did not seek to usurp what belonged to the Father.

He was honored because His motivation was pure.

He passed the ‘motivation test’.

Father:

I pray that each and every day we seek to do your will and that through our obedience all honor and glory is given to you. May we hold none back for ourselves.

We pray this in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ.

The Time Test

 

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

Psalm 27:14

 

 

Cross references:

1. Genesis 3:1 : Job 1:7; 2:2; 2Co 11:3; Rev 12:9; 20:2
2. Genesis 3:1 : S Ge 2:17

 

You’ve probably seen the plaque or read the bumper sticker:

“Lord I need patience; and I need it NOW!”

I can actually hear the resounding “Been there, done that” response over the internet.

Who hasn’t occasionally failed Gods’ time test?

Jesus!

He is probably the only one.

It seems to be a universal problem we all are tested on and we all fail from time to time.

We grow impatient waiting for God to fulfill His promises.

Even when we have great confidence and faith to believe the word He speaks to us, we still often struggle with the timing of its’ fulfillment.

Abraham and Sarah did.

They took matters into their own hands.

When it seemed like the promised child was not conceived in the time frame they determined it should be, Sarah’s handmaiden Hagar became their solution.

But their solution created a problem the world is still dealing with today.

Isaac was born on Gods’ timetable.

God is true to His word.

Even when it seems like our circumstances demand an immediate answer.

I love how often Jesus was delivered out of the hands of men intent on His destruction because ‘His hour had not yet come…’

He was in intimate fellowship with His Father at all times.

He knew, not only His purpose in coming to earth, but He also knew that purpose would be completed on the Fathers timetable and not His own.

The words “It is finished” were true not only for the mission that was completed but for the timing of that mission as well.

Has God spoken to you concerning some things that seem to be delayed?

Hold fast to His word and persevere in faith trusting Him with, not only the fulfillment of what was said but, the timing of its’ fulfillment as well.

God is never early.

God is never late.

God is always right on time!

Cross reference

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

Psalm 27:14

 

 

Cross references:

1. Genesis 3:1 : Job 1:7; 2:2; 2Co 11:3; Rev 12:9; 20:2
2. Genesis 3:1 : S Ge 2:17

 

You’ve probably seen the plaque or read the bumper sticker:

“Lord I need patience; and I need it NOW!”

I can actually hear the resounding “Been there, done that” response over the internet.

Who hasn’t occasionally failed Gods’ time test?

Jesus!

He is probably the only one.

It seems to be a universal problem we all are tested on and we all fail from time to time.

We grow impatient waiting for God to fulfill His promises.

Even when we have great confidence and faith to believe the word He speaks to us, we still often struggle with the timing of its’ fulfillment.

Abraham and Sarah did.

They took matters into their own hands.

When it seemed like the promised child was not conceived in the time frame they determined it should be, Sarah’s handmaiden Hagar became their solution.

But their solution created a problem the world is still dealing with today.

Isaac was born on Gods’ timetable.

God is true to His word.

Even when it seems like our circumstances demand an immediate answer.

I love how often Jesus was delivered out of the hands of men intent on His destruction because ‘His hour had not yet come…’

He was in intimate fellowship with His Father at all times.

He knew, not only His purpose in coming to earth, but He also knew that purpose would be completed on the Fathers timetable and not His own.

The words “It is finished” were true not only for the mission that was completed but for the timing of that mission as well.

Has God spoken to you concerning some things that seem to be delayed?

Hold fast to His word and persevere in faith trusting Him with, not only the fulfillment of what was said but, the timing of its’ fulfillment as well.

God is never early.

God is never late.

God is always right on time!

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

Psalm 27:14

 

 

Cross references:

1. Genesis 3:1 : Job 1:7; 2:2; 2Co 11:3; Rev 12:9; 20:2
2. Genesis 3:1 : S Ge 2:17

 

You’ve probably seen the plaque or read the bumper sticker:

“Lord I need patience; and I need it NOW!”

I can actually hear the resounding “Been there, done that” response over the internet.

Who hasn’t occasionally failed Gods’ time test?

Jesus!

He is probably the only one.

It seems to be a universal problem we all are tested on and we all fail from time to time.

We grow impatient waiting for God to fulfill His promises.

Even when we have great confidence and faith to believe the word He speaks to us, we still often struggle with the timing of its’ fulfillment.

Abraham and Sarah did.

They took matters into their own hands.

When it seemed like the promised child was not conceived in the time frame they determined it should be, Sarah’s handmaiden Hagar became their solution.

But their solution created a problem the world is still dealing with today.

Isaac was born on Gods’ timetable.

God is true to His word.

Even when it seems like our circumstances demand an immediate answer.

I love how often Jesus was delivered out of the hands of men intent on His destruction because ‘His hour had not yet come…’

He was in intimate fellowship with His Father at all times.

He knew, not only His purpose in coming to earth, but He also knew that purpose would be completed on the Fathers timetable and not His own.

The words “It is finished” were true not only for the mission that was completed but for the timing of that mission as well.

Has God spoken to you concerning some things that seem to be delayed?

Hold fast to His word and persevere in faith trusting Him with, not only the fulfillment of what was said but, the timing of its’ fulfillment as well.

God is never early.

God is never late.

God is always right on time!

Psalm 27:14

 

 

Cross references:

1. Genesis 3:1 : Job 1:7; 2:2; 2Co 11:3; Rev 12:9; 20:2
2. Genesis 3:1 : S Ge 2:17

 

You’ve probably seen the plaque or read the bumper sticker:

“Lord I need patience; and I need it NOW!”

I can actually hear the resounding “Been there, done that” response over the internet.

Who hasn’t occasionally failed Gods’ time test?

Jesus!

He is probably the only one.

It seems to be a universal problem we all are tested on and we all fail from time to time.

We grow impatient waiting for God to fulfill His promises.

Even when we have great confidence and faith to believe the word He speaks to us, we still often struggle with the timing of its’ fulfillment.

Abraham and Sarah did.

They took matters into their own hands.

When it seemed like the promised child was not conceived in the time frame they determined it should be, Sarah’s handmaiden Hagar became their solution.

But their solution created a problem the world is still dealing with today.

Isaac was born on Gods’ timetable.

God is true to His word.

Even when it seems like our circumstances demand an immediate answer.

I love how often Jesus was delivered out of the hands of men intent on His destruction because ‘His hour had not yet come…’

He was in intimate fellowship with His Father at all times.

He knew, not only His purpose in coming to earth, but He also knew that purpose would be completed on the Fathers timetable and not His own.

The words “It is finished” were true not only for the mission that was completed but for the timing of that mission as well.

Has God spoken to you concerning some things that seem to be delayed?

Hold fast to His word and persevere in faith trusting Him with, not only the fulfillment of what was said but, the timing of its’ fulfillment as well.

God is never early.

God is never late.

God is always right on time!

The Wilderness Test

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.”

Matthew 4:1

 

 

Have you experienced the wilderness test?

It is a test that God brings into your life to teach you that your resources cannot sustain you.

If you are to be used by God in great things, you must settle the fact that He is your source and you are not.

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

The temptations the devil brought to Jesus were meant to test who Jesus chose as his source.

Who would He choose when the devil offered Him bread?

He had fasted for forty days and was hungry.

Would he partner with the devil and satisfy His physical hunger?

He partnered with His heavenly Father declaring:

“Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Who would He choose when the devil tempted Him to throw himself off the highest point of the temple?

He would not foolishly cast himself down but declared:

“…do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

Finally, he was offered all the kingdoms of the world if He would bow down and worship the devil.

Again, He partnered with God and declared:

“Away from me Satan! For it is written: ‘worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.”

Three times Jesus faced the wilderness test.

Whose resources would He choose to sustain Him?

Three times He chose to partner with His heavenly Father.

If you have not yet faced the wilderness test; you will.

When you do – choose to partner with God.

You must learn that God’s resources are needed to do God’s work.

Your resources can’t sustain heaven’s agenda on earth!

Genesis 3:1 : Job 1:7; 2:2; 2Co 11:3; Rev 12:9; 20:2

Genesis 3:1 : S Ge 2:17

Have you experienced the wilderness test?

It is a test that God brings into your life to teach you that your resources cannot sustain you.

If you are to be used by God in great things, you must settle the fact that He is your source and you are not.

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

The temptations the devil brought to Jesus were meant to test who Jesus chose as his source.

Who would He choose when the devil offered Him bread?

He had fasted for forty days and was hungry.

Would he partner with the devil and satisfy His physical hunger?

He partnered with His heavenly Father declaring:

“Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Who would He choose when the devil tempted Him to throw himself off the highest point of the temple?

He would not foolishly cast himself down but declared:

“…do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

Finally, he was offered all the kingdoms of the world if He would bow down and worship the devil.

Again, He partnered with God and declared:

“Away from me Satan! For it is written: ‘worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.”

Three times Jesus faced the wilderness test.

Whose resources would He choose to sustain Him?

Three times He chose to partner with His heavenly Father.

If you have not yet faced the wilderness test; you will.

When you do – choose to partner with God.

You must learn that God’s resources are needed to do God’s work.

Your resources can’t sustain heaven’s agenda on earth!

Cross referenc

Genesis 3:1 : Job 1:7; 2:2; 2Co 11:3; Rev 12:9; 20:2

Genesis 3:1 : S Ge 2:17