“It Is Only a Test. Be of Good Cheer!”
From the Desk of Prophet Rev. Kathleen E. Lounsbury
The book of James declares in Chapter 1:2, “Count it all joy when you are being tested”. Boy, there is nothing in the flesh that wants to hear that. In the natural realm, there is nothing that wants to be put out, sacrificed, or joyful in a test. We want it pretty easy and until we see the character of Christ is worked in through pressing times, we remain immature and unchanged. As we remain in a weakened position, so does our church or ministry. The reason for being joyful in a test is to realize this; the test ends an era. The place that you or I have been, changes as we successfully pass through our test. Transition is a short span of time between one season into another. Your bridge to the next level is your test. The test is given to show us ourselves, and we need to see where our deficiencies are. In that, we can be sure to get the help needed to learn how to get a better grade next time.
Many people speak of transitions as though they were seasons. No, a season has a longer span of time than a transition. Our frustration may be due to the fact we are not being promoted. Why? Well, friend, we cannot go to the next level until God knows our faith is ready to embrace all our “new season” has to offer. God does not want us in waters we cannot survive in. He does not want our faith to go shipwrecked. Our tests serve us as we travel our journey. They are the guide-post to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. He successfully brings us to safe harbor. The test you have been given is to promote you. Take it well! You’re a good soldier of the Lord. Your commander and chief, is protecting you. Keep resting in His grace to bring you through. “Well”, you might say; “I can’t get him to speak to me”. That is the point! The teacher is silent during the test. Now, He watches and listens to you. Give Him back what He has taught you. Then, you will receive your green light for the next phase of your life.