Testing = a reflection of His ability, not an inflection of our inability -KE

Wednesday Word

The word “test” sent her on a detour in her 100 Days of Healing devotional. Maybe
because test-taking had never been her strong suit. As she read the text, she was
reminded of some of her most important tests in life.

Thanks for joining us for Wednesday’s Word with Kim-Evinda and Trench Classes
United. When you hear the word “test,” what is your first thought? Today’s blog from
Kim-Evinda just may give you a new and positive outlook on this word which is a reality
for all of us.

It had been 34 years ago, the first time she took her court reporting test, which had
been a not-so-positive experience. She had been so incredibly nervous, especially for
the machine part of it. She remembered that her hands shook as if she had cerebral
palsy in them! And though she had failed the first time; but that didn’t deter her from
returning to retake it six months later.

She smiled and returned to her devotional.

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious
thoughts.24Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of
everlasting life.

As she read the New Testament definitions for the word “test,” she was surprised to
learn that this word was most often used in a positive context; but the Old Testament
(Hebrew) definitions were what caught her attention

“Infinitive absolute; figurative of purifying people, the hearts, purifying.”

Wow, what a powerful truth that came to life more realistically as she rewound her life’s
most significant tests. Her failing her court-reporting test the first time and passing the
second time wasn’t a reflection of her inability, but an inflection of His ability, His
purifying, strengthening her, preparing her.

Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Yes, there are times when we wish He would use other ways to strengthen and purify
us, that’s for sure. I am still in one of those seasons, friend, but what an encouraging
thought to cling to in times of testing. It’s not a matter of pass or fail; it’s more of a
relying while He’s purifying. 

​With Him in the testing,
Kim-Evinda