MAY 24, James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 5:7

“We hate tests, Grandpa!” announced Sheila as she plunked down on the sofa. “Between Steve and me, we already had five tests this week!” she complained. Grandpa smiled. “I guess nobody likes tests,” he agreed, “but we all have them.” “You don’t!” protested Steve. “You’re done with school. Your last test was surely before we were born!”

Grandpa smiled. “Yes, but not all tests are conducted in school,” he said, “and not all lessons are learned from a book or from the computer. Life throws lots of tests our way.”

“I don’t get it,” said Steve. “What kind of tests?”

“Well, I’d say any difficulty you face could be considered a test,” suggested Grandpa. “The good news is that we can learn lessons from the tests we face.”

“Maybe.” Sheila got up. “We better get going. I have to study for another test!”

A few days later, the kids again talked with Grandpa. He immediately saw that they both looked very unhappy. “Problems?” he asked.

Might as well tell you”, mumbled Steve. “Dad lost his job”. Steve then explained to Grandpa how their Dad and Mom were discussing how to manage their household expenses and house mortgage. As a family they had been praying to the Lord for provision of a job for Dad.

“We have been praying for a long time for a new job for Dad” said Sheila. “But why has God not answered our prayer?” Sheila asked her Grandpa. “God will provide according to His timing. This means you need to be patient and wait upon Him” answered Grandpa.

A week later, a friend of Dad found out about his situation and offered him a job. Steve and Sheila were thankful to God and told Grandpa about it. Grandpa remarked, “I told you so. God will always provide for our needs and He will do so at the right time.”

Thought: Are you facing one of life’s tests? Turn to the Lord and seek His help.

Prayer: Teach me, Heavenly Father, to accept the tests and difficulties which will come my way. Please help me learn to cast my cares on You, for You have promised that You care for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.