The Test and the Teacher

I have been in the valley of testing over the last eight months with my health. I am finally resolved to go to a naturpath because the medical doctors, although wonderful, have found nothing. I got parasite in Ethiopia and have been horribly sick ever since.

We had a powerful service this morning. We never got to the preaching of the Word because God led us to spend time in prayer in the altars. Kurt and I prayed over hurting people, sick people, people needing direction. God touched many lives.

Before all that happened, as I scurried around the church, preparing to pray before the worship team took the stage, a woman made a comment to me that has sat in the forefront of my mind ever since. She said, "You know, when a student takes a test, the teacher is quiet."

The word picture played out on the theater of my mind in that moment as I saw the last eight months in a completely different light. When you think about those grueling times of test taking as a young student, many things are consistent. It was always a time of pressure. It was a moment in time that elevated the student to the next level of learning ...if the test is passed. Tests weren't forms of punishment, but means of instruction and proving. Testing required focus, discipline, perseverance, and a knowledge of the material. The results of the test made the student more like the teacher, well versed in the teacher's expertise. And as my dear friend said this morning, the teacher administering the test to the student remained silent. The teacher's presence was always nearby, but the teacher stayed quiet and still.

Our Teacher allows tests and trials in our lives not to punish us, but to purify and transform us more into His likeness. Tests are stressful and cause pressure, but lift us up to a new level of maturity if they are passed. Walking through life's tests require patience, focus on Christ, and discipline. We must persevere in order to make it through them. The most powerful revelation that came to me today is that over the last eight months, although I have felt at times that God has abandoned me, forgotten about me, left me to struggle alone, He has, in fact, been very near. He has been the quiet Teacher, allowing me to take this test and just waiting for me to apply everything I've already been taught to get through the test. He has stood nearby, no doubt, interceding on my behalf, but has chosen to remain quiet. This test must be passed, whether that is just through preserving through it or fighting it or simply allowing God to purify me through it.

God has not been mad at me for eight months, nor has He been far away. He has been standing at my side, at my spiritual desk, watching over me, praying I apply what I know to be true, and waiting for the right time to bring revelation. In His timing, I will walk out of this valley and into a new season of hope and healing, hopefully having passed this important test.

Whatever test you may be walking through today, whatever difficulty or trial, God is nearby. He may seem to be silent, but He is not far away. He urges you on through this test. Apply what you know to be true from the Word of God. You will soon be on the other side of this test, more like the One who has taught you.