Testing
by Christel Baxter
Have you ever looked at someone going through a really difficult time and thought to yourself, “I don’t think I would be able to cope with those circumstances?” Our key scripture speaks about this.
The word ‘temptation’ is translated from the Greek word, ‘peirasmos’, which means being tempted to sin, but also includes the idea of a time of trial, or a time of testing. It’s the same Greek word used in 1 Peter 4:12-13: ‘Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy’.
There are some wonderful truths and promises wrapped up for me in 1 Corinthians 10:13. First of all, the God who created me knows me best. This scripture promises me that, as a child of God under His covering, He will never allow anything to touch my life which He’s not confident I can handle.
Secondly, this scripture says GOD IS FAITHFUL! That means He can be trusted. He won’t bail out on me. He can be relied on and leaned on. I don’t have to doubt His presence and His character.
Lastly, He’ll always make a way for me to handle any temptation or fiery trial, escape it, or, when needed, stand up under it! Psalm 18:33 (Amplified) says, ‘He makes my feet like hinds feet [able to stand firmly and tread safely on paths of testing and trouble]; He sets me [securely] upon my high places’. What a comfort! God is the One who enables me to stand and make progress, even in the troublesome situations.
I’m encouraged that the tough stuff of life that may come my way will never be such that I can’t handle it. I believe that, if it crosses my path, it means it’s already passed God’s ‘filter’, and He’s confident that I’m up for the challenge.
Prayer: Lord, I’m so grateful that You know me well, and that You’ll never allow me to be tested beyond what I can handle. Thank You for Your kindness and Your faithfulness towards me. I choose to trust You, and rest in Your Word. Amen.
Christel Baxter joined the Associate prayer ministry team at Shere House, S.Africa in 2008 after attending the 20 day school. Besides serving together on the associate team at Shere House, Christel & her husband, Gary, pastor New Life Ministries, a congregation in Boksburg, Gauteng. Their children, Liezl and Wesley, are both married, and they adore their son-in-law and daughter-in-law and their little granddaughter, Hannah! Christel is passionate about seeing broken lives restored and especially loves ministering God`s love and healing to women of all ages.
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