My "Testing" Testimony

Over the past few years, I, like many others, have experienced a wide array of trials in my walk with God.  I do not want to aggrandize, nor minimize their effect in my life, but certainly everyone who has lived more than 4 decades is due his or her share of struggle.  I believe God is more involved in our lives than we might think when we are confronted with life's challenges.  I want to share some scripture and a quote that have meant so much to me over the last few years.  Remember... "with everything you go through, know that God loves you very much". 

Last year, I was reading through the One Year Bible.  It was wonderful working my way through the Old Testament.  As I was reading Deuteronomy, the Lord led me to reflect on some personal and financial strife in my life over the course of my past 10 years.  How was it that I was always a good employee and "top producer", yet somehow found myself on the wrong end of leverage buyouts, acquisition mergers and downsizing?  Through those years, I did not initially look to the Lord for guidance and direction.  Rather, I sulked and pondered 'what if' to the degree my wife, Licia, recommended that I "get over it and get a life".  As the drama continued to unfold, I found myself running to the Lord and His Word.  He directed me to so many wonderful scriptures...

Phil 4: Stress is my middle name, so this one was difficult!

1. Rejoice, be Happy in the Lord
2. Be gentle and don't be stressed and anxious
3. Express gratitude to the Lord for everything that comes our way
4. Then, the Lord will deliver something only He can give...Supernatural Peace
5. He will stand, guarding the door to our heart to protect and deliver His Peace
6. His Peace is unlike anything we can manufacture, so much so that we can't even understand how awesome it is or why we feel like we do

Prov 3: The Trust verses

1. Learn to trust only in the Lord
2. I'm not that smart, listen for the leading of Holy Spirit
3. Learn to see Him in everything that I put my hand to
4. Let Him direct my actions, decisions, and directions
5. Don't think too highly of my discernments...even though that might be a spiritual strength of mine

James 1: "I need to be Joyful when What Happens?"

1. Have a good attitude, Joyful even, when you endure struggles
2. God has a benefit in mind...He's producing patience in us
3. Sometimes, the struggle is the Lord's own test for our lives
4. To grow us up, to make us complete, prepared for all and lacking nothing
5. When I'm in a trial, Go straight to the Lord, ask Him for His wisdom
6. He'll give it because He said He would give to anyone who asks
7. But when I ask, make sure I actually expect something from the Lord in return
8. And He will give Liberally

In Deuteronomy 8, the scripture clearly states that God tests us and watches for our response.  Will I curse God?  Will I look elsewhere for resolution to the trial?  Or will I lean firmly on the foundation of HIS provision and direction?  I hope you'll have a chance to dig in to Deuteronomy 8 and 9...they are so good.  My eyes were opened wide to the past.  I was comforted and relieved that I was not being punished.  I really had a guilt complex for a while and thought I had done something to deserve the difficulties I was facing.  Deut 8 freed me to see the Lord in ALL things.  He is involved and aware of every aspect of our lives.  Read this quote.  You might even want to memorize it!

My Favorite Quote

"Jesus is with you, is aware of your life and fully engaged in it.  God is in Everything and He will let little befall you that will not be to the ultimate benefit of you your soul.  Sometimes, He will step aside for trouble coming your way, but only if it will refine you or prepare you to be with Him someday in Heaven, where you'll know a Happiness beyond all human understanding.  So there is no cause then for sadness, only for Joy.  "Do Not Be Afraid".......Nellie Wilson Regan