Happy Monday, Everyone!
The following is taken from Joyce Meyer’s “Closer To God Each Day Devotional” for July 30.
Open-Book Tests
Sometimes teachers let students take open-book tests. They are allowed to have their textbook open while answering the questions. We are all going to go through tests. There are no exceptions – everybody is tested at different times in life. But they are all open-book tests; the answers are found in the Book. No matter what we are going through, God has provided the answers in His Word.
Drawing close to God through His Word during difficulty gives us strength and answers that we need. God often allows us to go through a difficult place because He is testing, stretching, and strengthening us. During such times Satan attacks us in our minds telling us lies such as, “God doesn’t love you, and if He was going to help you, He would have already done it. You might as well give up on trusting God and develop your own plan of escape.” This is a time to hold on, not to give up!
Life isn’t always easy. There are going to be some days and seasons when we are faced with challenges. But if you choose to lean on the Lord in those times, you’ll realize that you can still have joy even on trying days. Godly strength, wisdom and knowledge, spiritual maturity, and character are developed in us as we go through tests.
In order to grow in God and do what He has called you to do, choose to be faithful. His character will be revealed in your life over time.
God bless,
Mark