A few years ago, I was given a specific assignment from the Lord to gather some prophets together for a time of instruction. From the time I was given this assignment, my car broke down 6 times and no one could figure out why. I spent over $5,000 in an attempt tonresolve that issue. To make matters worse, my manager turned into Beelzebub. I developed an ulcer in my eye and there was an overwhelming amount of paranormal activity going on in my house that prohibited me from getting any sleep.
When I arrived at the rendezvous point to have the meeting, I felt such a release. Of course, my faith was tested before the session was over, but I still felt an overwhelming sense of peace. I called my friend Mo, and I told him everything that happened and he responded in these exact words, "The Lord said successful completion, next".
I felt such a weight lifted off of me. I wish I could tell you that everything was all good after that prophetic word, but the saga continues. Let’s recap! After hearing that prophetic word, my car was still jacked up. I abruptly left my job because my manager and I engaged in a verbal altercation (and I won lol) and then that same evening, I received news that my father was being hospitalized.
The only verse I could repeat during that time was:
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Romans 8:18 ESV
It’s like I passed one test only to enter into another! Let’s fast forward to the present. I received a prophetic word recently that the Lord said, “you’ve passed the test". I felt a sense of relief, not because I felt like all my concerns were going to resolved, but because I know that God was reminding me that he knew was I being tested. Above all else, I just want God to be pleased with my life. I would like for God to alleviate some things, but his grace is sufficient. I’ve already laid down my determination to understand. As long as God is with me, it will be well. But let’s talk about tests.
In school, I remember how it felt to pass a test, especially the ones that I studied really hard for. It was such a sense of accomplishment even to the extent that my friends in school would brag about how "well" they passed a test. I always hated multiple choice tests because my ability to overthink would surprise you. Secondly, I always hated cumulative tests, that’s why I was terrible in math. If you don’t get the concepts in chapter 3, you’re completely screwed by the time you get to chapter 8. Lastly, I hated end of year exams. The idea that ONE TEST could prohibit your academic matriculation still baffles me. But, in life, failing one test can either promote you to a mountaintop experience or initiate a downward spiral that drives you to a place of regret.
God isn’t like the educators that I’ve encountered in life. He won’t just “pass you on” if you’re not ready. You can’t fool God. He knows your heart. You can’t cheat on your tests and aren’t allowed to pay someone else to take your test for you. In this Christian walk, you’ve got to learn, understand and demonstrate your comprehension. Let’s review\ the Apostle Paul’s instruction to Timothy:
“Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene....”.
2 Timothy 2:14-17 ESV
We can interpret the Apostle Paul’s discourse by resolving that are ultimate goal should be to be an approved workman or workwoman of God. We will be tested. Some tests we will fail. Some tests are easier to pass than others. But all tests are open book. Think about how accessible the library to access information, yet a plethora of individuals choose to not utilize it’s resources until they are required to. Don’t we treat the Holy Spirit like that? It’s like God is our crisis manager! If we were to be honest, at some point, we are have misused our relationship with God. Thankfully, God is not insecure. He knows who he is whether we recognize or not.
Take this blog as a prophetic declaration that YOU have passed the test. Yes, you have so many more tests to complete, but you made it. Maybe you missed a few questions, and in the eyes of man, you’re a complete failure. But the Lord says, "you passed".
You’ve struggled.... but you have joy.
You’re misunderstood, but you’ve learned how to be content.
You can’t sing, but you haven’t lost your song.
You don’t have rhythm, but you haven’t lost your praise.
Rejoice. God sees you. You’re doing just fine.
