Did You Pass Your Test?

Did You Pass Your Test?

By Steven Brooks



For you, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment. (Psalm 66:10-12)



Psalm 66 is truly a psalm that reveals the great wisdom and love of God.



The tenth verse says, "For you, O God, have tested us." There will always be tests in life that God calls upon us to take. The purpose of the test is for us to make use of that which we learned in school. These tests are difficult life experiences that are inescapable, all students of the Holy Spirit are required to study diligently, prepare thoroughly, and then take the test. The idea of course is not just to pass the test, but to score a high enough mark that we can graduate on to the next level.

When the test is given in class, no talking is allowed. The teacher remains silent, expecting us to apply what we have been taught. This is when God's presence withdraws - when there are no "goose bumps", no tangible awareness of God, just silence. The silence doesn't mean that God is not there, but rather that he enforces the rule of "no talking during a test. " Have you ever taken one of these tests?

These types of tests are somewhat like a final exam given at the end of a lengthy period of time. They don't come that often, but when they do come they have to be taken seriously. God allows this examination to bring out a faith in us that will be revealed as an attribute more precious than pure gold. To bring forth this type of precious faith, God often allows the heat to be turned up. "You have refined us as silver is refined (verse 10b)". When silver is refined, it is done so through intense heat to burn out the dirt and other impurities. These tests are neither fun nor easy - they are designed to be difficult. The classroom atmosphere is intense, with each student extracting every ounce of knowledge that was placed within their spirit during the season of preparation.



"You brought us into the net (verse 11a)."



The author of Psalm 66 is not mentioned, but we should have no doubt that it was David, for the psalm is written in the Davidic style. Here David points out the truth that he was brought into the net by the Lord. Like a bird that is entangled in a net, there seems to be no way of escape. Some Christians give the devil way to much credit, and attribute any difficult challenge as originating from the devil. But yet David attributes the Lord for allowing the trial. God is in control of your life. God at times will permit these tests and trials, not to destroy us, but rather to develop us more into the image of His Son - Jesus Christ.



The next statement reveals the deep reality of the strenuous demand that is placed upon a child of God when taking the final exam. "You laid affliction on our backs (verse 11b)." The word "affliction" does not in any way refer to sickness or disease. The word in the Hebrew language can be translated as "pressure" or "distress". This, my friends, is where the rubber meets the road. During times like

this it is irrelevant whether one holds a degree in theology, or whether they graduated from the finest seminary. One's financial or social status means nothing. The only way out of the net is through a "real faith" that is founded upon the living Word of God, and made alive by the Spirit's power. During the hardest part of the test - when hope looks lost, when you feel awful, when your body hurts and your mind is exhausted, when tremendous pressure is applied and your situation appears doomed -that's when you must apply every ounce of spiritual strength you possess and not let anything come out of your mouth that is not in line with the Word of God. If you can hold to the Word during the most difficult moments, than you are on your way to a passing score. If you can't speak in line with God's Word, then don't say anything, lest you hinder your score and fail to be promoted.



The pressure cooker type exam continued for David.



God was endeavoring to develop within David the qualities of a king that were essential for a successful and long term rule over His people. "You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water, but you brought us out to rich fulfillment (verse 12)." To bring the promises of God to pass in our lives requires commitment and discipline. David received the "word of the Lord" from the prophet Samuel that he would be the next king of Israel. Such words are designed to lift us, inspire us, and allow us to dream big regarding the divine plan for our life. Yet, it was not until years later when David actually saw the fulfillment of that prophecy. When Samuel gave that prophetic word to David, it is highly unlikely that David had any idea of the many difficult and distressing situations that he would eventually find himself in. Even so, the grace and mercy of God will always be there for us, just as it was for David. God has not promised that we would never have trials or difficulties, but he has promised to deliver us out of all trouble (Ps. 34: 17).



Do you remember what it was like in school when you were about to have your final exam handed back to you after it was graded, for you to see? Even if you thought you did well, there was still some apprehension because maybe you were a little unsure about a few questions. But when the paper was handed to you and you saw your score, you either breathed a sigh of relief, or a reaction of grief! When I was in school, it usually was a reaction of disappointment. Often I had not studied nor prepared adequately and my grade was reflected by that. For me, it meant study hall after school and other humbling tasks that extended me beyond a level that I potentially could have exceeded. Since those days, I learned from my mistakes and determined to offset it by endeavoring to please the Lord in my walk with Him. When we give Him our very best, He then releases His best to us.



Eventually the test is over.



"But You brought us out to rich fulfillment (verse 12b)." I like how the King James Version says, "but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place." It can also be translated as a place of moist refreshment and abundance. This is the end result of where God wants to take us spiritually, mentally, financially, physically, and in every aspect of our life. If you are presently not in a season of taking your test, than you need to prepare and have the Word of God planted deep within your heart that you may be strong for anything that comes your way. If you are in a test right now, then continue forward and walk by faith, not by sight. The teacher is watching you closely, now is your time to shine and praise His holy name, even through your tears. I'll see you after the class is dismissed and the test is completed. Then we can both ask each other, "Did you pass your test?" Through Christ, I'm confident that we will both be able to smile from ear to ear.



Much Love,

By Steven Brooks

info@stevenbrooks.org