God hasn’t forgotten you. Just the opposite. He has chosen to train you.

The school year is coming to an end, and students everywhere are preparing for final exams. It’s that moment of truth where the teacher gives a test to verify what you’ve learned, and to determine if you are in fact ready for the next level.

That is what I learned is happening to me during these crazy Covid times. I read three chapters of You’ll Get Through This and even got a little scolding.

Chapter 4: Stupid Won’t Fix Stupid

It was during these pages that God told me not to write what I WANTED to write. Each day I scroll through social media, and I fight myself as I am tempted to post or comment my thoughts. I laughed as I read the final paragraph. “Turbulent times will tempt you to forget God. Shortcuts will lure you. Sirens will call you. But don’t be foolish or naive. Do what pleases God. Nothing more, nothing less. And for Heaven’s sake, think twice before you press throttle.”
So there it is. God used Max Lucado to tell me to not write what I am tempted to write as that would be foolish, would make matters worse, and would not be an honor to His kingdom.

Okay then, next chapter. Oh, So This Is Bootcamp.

It is not a coincidence that this reading fell on today, because it was full of messages I needed to hear and be reminded of. Lots of quotes designed especially for my heart.

“Intended evil becomes ultimate good. “

“These are uphill, into-the-wind challenges you are facing. They are not easy. But neither are they random.

“This season in which you find yourself may puzzle you, but it does not bewilder God. He can and will use it for His purpose..”

“What Satan intended for evil, God used for testing. In the Bible a test is an external trial that purifies and prepares the heart. “

“If you see your troubles as nothing more than isolated hassles and hurts, you’ll grow bitter and angry. Yet if you see your troubles as tests used by God for His glory and your maturity, then even the smallest incidents take on significance.”

Ugh! God can see my heart and what I am doing drastically wrong. Each day my annoyance grows. Although I have been successful, well- most of the time, in not putting what I think in social media, I continue to vent my frustrations to loved ones. He is showing me in print that my focus is still on what is happening “to me” and not enough focus on what God wants “from me”.

“Trust His training. You’ll get through this. “

“Remember, all tests are temporary.”

“Let God train you. He is watching the way you handle the little jobs.”

“The reward of good work is greater work. Do you aspire to do great things? Excel in the small things.”

And then He pointed out my ugly parts and got stern. “Compassion matters to God. This is a time for service, not self-centeredness. Cancel the pity party. Love the people God brings to you. “

OUCH!!

“Your mess can become your message.”

“Rather than ask God to change your circumstances, ask Him to use your circumstances to change you.”

“Every challenge, large or small, can equip you for a future opportunity.”

“Don’t see your struggle as an interruption to life, but as a preparation for life.”

And in chapter six He basically told me to be patient and wait it out.

Phew! God really called me out today. I am thankful for His reminders. Isn’t it amazing how He works? He puts it all in place. He put this book in my lap just when I needed it, and every page has been timed perfectly. As long as I seek Him, He provides the answers. It isn’t always what I want to hear. And sometimes, like today, He puts me in my place.

Prayer

Lord, I’m sorry. I know You keep telling me that this will be in my favor. Yet, I keep getting annoyed and wanting it changed. Forgive me for forgetting Your promise. Thank you for telling me what I need to hear, even when it hurts, and please thank Max for me, for sharing His wisdom. In Jesus name, Amen.