This is a test...this is only a test.

You can barely step onto the campus of any school right now without hearing that dreaded term..."testing." We are in the midst of state tests and it is to say the least a stressful time for everyone involved. Teachers are doing everything they can to help students do well on these tests. Students, who up till now have been oblivious to learning, are suddenly taking notice...sometimes even asking questions! It's amazing! The results of these tests determine how schools are ranked, how students are ranked, even how an area is viewed as far as being a place where people will come to create businesses, settle down, and live their lives. All based on a test. A little far fetched, isn't it.

How many times in life are we judged by "tests"? Quite often when you stop to think about it. We have tests of character, tests of faith, tests of judgement, tests of patience....so what's with all these "tests"?

When students do well on their state tests, they can breathe a sigh of relief...for about a week, then it's time to learn NEW things. When we pass our tests in life, we get just about as much of a reprieve. We know that each day brings new tests that we will have to pass. There is, however, some good news. God has promised in His Word:" The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.(Lamentations 3:22 - 23)

Yes, whether we like it or not, those tests are important....because each one becomes a part of our "TESTimony". They help reveal what we know both to ourselves and to the world.

That's why this is a test...it is only a test...and somehow we will come through victorious in Him so in the event of an ACTUAL emergency, we'll know just where to turn.