Do you believe that God provides tests as measures of progress? Are you thinking of tests you’ve endured in the past, tests that face you today and knowledge that tests will never stop in this lifetime? Some we pass; others we fail. One thing’s for sure, we are tested at each stage, each season of our lives. Our goal is to pass the test at hand and be all we can be, giving our best, our time, talents and sacrifice for God. The rewards are awesome when we stand firm in faith and pass the tests.

Testing is tough! Some people breeze through tests in school, work, family matters and faith and enjoy blessings beyond belief. Others fail miserably, wondering what went wrong. Testing is handled differently by all of God’s children.

This child dreads tests. My global nature makes me a prime candidate for not fitting the mold of good test-taker, while my desire to do my best propels me to work hard in order to pass my tests. Testing isn’t easy for me. I second guess myself when answering those multiple choice questions, wondering who in the world makes these tests anyway. You should try taking one of the end of grade tests that tosses out tons of tremendous pressure for those little folks who know they must pass in order to progress.

Recently, I helped a perplexed third-grade student search for a correct response on his reading passage in preparation for the End of Grade Test. The story told of an animal family enjoying a picnic with friends. Every answer had been highlighted in the passage except the one that asked the color of the tablecloth. We read, re-read, and were ready to give up when I spotted a clue that sparked that higher level thinking we desperately try to teach our children. The story told how the family sat on the grass in the bright sunshine and ate their food. Duh! The answer popped out like a jack in the box , hiding and waiting for someone to look closely, connect and cast the right response. I explained, he circled — green! He would pass that little test, but what about all those who don’t have someone guiding them until they reach the season when they are independent learners?

Do we ever get to that point in life? Testing will be with us until the day we die. It’s how we prepare and proceed that will ensure peace and prosperity we enjoy in our lifetime. We will pay the price, even sacrifice, when tests come our way. Yet, when we stand the test and do our best, God is well pleased and will propel us to new heights, adventures, blessings and triumph in passing continuous tests.

Abraham passed one of the greatest tests a parent could face. In Genesis 22 we read how he climbed that mountain with thoughts that tormented every step he took. Yet, his obedience to His Father took precedence. When God saw Abraham ascend Mount Moriah to sacrifice his beloved son, he knew the father of Isaac would be willing to do anything asked of him. God was well pleased that Abraham passed the test.

It’s our willingness to be obedient, to do what God asks, to go the extra mile, to remain faithful in a world where the enemy tempts and torments, to prepare daily for the EOL-End of Life Test. That’s one test no one wants to fail. Passing that test is simple. We must accept Jesus as our personal Savior, repent, and live our lives in obedience to His calling. Does Jesus live in your heart? Do your know His voice, his plans, his peace for you? When we give the time to prepare, to be closely connected to Him, to seek His will for our lives — the tests are much easier to pass.