“On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Having written something that contained graphics as well as text, I moved the cursor on my computer screen and paused over the “Print” icon, double checking to verify that all the settings were right. I had NO idea that God was doing the EXACT same thing, at the EXACT same time… with me! I hit “Print,” and THAT is when “The Test” began!
As I sat listening for the printer to begin its work, the silence was of concern. Soon a message popped up…”printer error.” I tried again. Nothin’! After each attempt at a ‘fix’ I got the same message. There is a LOT that can go wrong with simply printing out a final product. While searching for the problem, the LAST thing, that ended up being THE thing that was wrong, was shocking! The printer was out of ink… 3 of the 4 wells were dry… and all at the SAME TIME!
Having been in this situation in the past, I had made it my policy to keep ink in stock. When this had happened before, I had to run to the store to buy ink. Now all I had a to do was reach into the drawer. The clock was still ticking and my temperature was a little high. But overall I was O.K.! Pulling on the silver, foil tab that covered the bottle, it didn’t come off. I pulled again… Harder. AGAIN! Splash! The foil gave way as physics took the bottle the other. Black ink landed on the desk, rug AND me! THEN my temperature hit ‘boil!’ Grade on test??? ‘F!’ I was operating in ‘error mode!’
To be entrusted with God’s stuff is an expensive privilege. Before He puts us ‘online,’ He works with us to ensure that we are ready. As we move along in life, He has the right to test our hearts to make sure we are in top shape with Him. And He does… whenever He wants and at any inconvenient time He pleases.
Like you, I am God’s greatest creation. There are infinitely FAR more things that can go wrong with me than with a printer! It could be a selfish thought or desire, a slight HINT of a bad attitude, a cold shoulder or fatigue. Or it could be as simple as… being out of juice and needing a refill! I must remember that GOD is making me to be the best product of His Love and Grace that He can. And He is in NO hurry. It MAY take some time and be painful… but He WILL see me through. All the way to completion! He said so remember? And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
So how is YOUR connection? Are YOU filled up and ready to go? Because a pop-quiz is coming!
