Years ago, I was invited by a dear man of God to attend an important conference. He personally extended the invite to me. While recognising all the pastors in the meeting, including those seated beside me, he omitted me. A lot went through my mind. But in the midst of it all, I heard the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit; “Son, this is your test. Don’t miss it.” I just smiled and continued enjoying the meeting.
Friend, life is a test. Unlike the tests conducted in schools, life’s tests often come unannounced (Luke 19:41-44). They also come disguised. You need the Holy Spirit to bring you into an awareness of divine tests. A lot of people are failing divine tests today due to ignorance and lack of preparation. How prepared are you for divine tests (Luke 12:45-48)?
If you see life as a test, you would start participating intentionally and intelligently in destiny (Hosea 7:8-9). The tester is God, but the instruments of testing may be human beings or the devil. The purpose of divine tests is for divine promotion. God does not trust or promote the untested (Genesis 22:1, 15-18).
If you fail life’s tests, you are bound to repeat them later (Luke 4:1-14). This explains why a lot of people are stuck in life. They have not passed their tests with God. They keep going round circles without making real progress. God does not promote on trial. If you pass today’s test, it already prepares you for tomorrow’s tests (Luke 16:10-12).
You will be tested with fame, finances, and females (or males). They are all captured in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). Jesus faced these tests in the wilderness, and you would face yours, too. People who made shipwreck of destiny failed one or all of the three tests. Which one are you currently facing (John 14:30)?
The way to prepare for life’s tests is to live a consecrated life (Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 5:15). Consciously remind yourself that you are dead and your life is hidden in Christ in God. Whether you are recognised at a meeting or not, or you are spited, nothing else should matter to you than serving God and pleasing Him with your life and all (Hebrews 12:1-3). Life is a test. Pass it.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria