Many of us despise testing because we believe that tests come from satan. Many of the test that we encounter are actually from God, sent to build us up to be like Jesus our lord.

And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry (Luke 4:1-2).

Stop giving Satan credit for enrolling you in class. The teacher of life is experience and God has written the curriculum. God allows and is in control of all we experience. Do we really believe that?

The test that Jesus faced and passed in Luke 4 was the launching pad for his unapologetic and authoritative ministry that followed. He read, spoke and walked with authority. He knew who he was because he was tested (remember Jesus was a man also)

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.- (Luke 4:14-20)

Count It All Joy

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” - (James 1:2-4)

Let steadfastness have its full affect so that you may be perfect and complete. God wants us to be perfect and complete. One way we fall short is because our goals are low and we don’t actually believe that we can be made perfect (stuck on a works mind set). Our culture accepts mediocrity and low goals because it helps the next guy/gal justify his sin and lack of Holy grit. Resist the devil and he will flee from you! Jesus was gritty, he didn’t give up, give in or make excuses. Paul was gritty, he didn’t give up or make excuses, Peter was gritty, he didn’t give up even when he was failing.

This life is about the journey and heaven is the destination. After counting the cost to follow Jesus, allow the Holy Spirit to change your perspective, goals and motivations as you embrace the journey. Learn what God actually wants to teach you. Stop trying to get a degree with no learning (integrity).

Remember, life is difficult because it has worth. Don’t give up! Strive and fight so that you can receive Gods best!