Passing the Test Alone

Courage is not limited to the battlefield or the Indianapolis 500 or bravely catching a thief in your house. The real tests of courage are much quieter. They are the inner tests, like remaining faithful when nobody's looking, like enduring pain when the room is empty, like standing alone when you're misunderstood.

Source Unknown

1 Peter 2:20-23
For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; NASU

There are many tests that we walk through in this world, and the most important ones are not in stadiums or in classrooms. They are the quiet and silent moments, when no one is there, this is when important decisions are made and who we are inwardly is formed. It is our reaction to what is happening to us in life that forms who we are, and it also shapes our own opinion of who we think we are. Private bravery will lead you to personal victory.

Sometimes we make foolish decisions and suffer embarrassment and shame, and it is something that you have to endure for a while. There is always someone that will remind you of your mistake isn’t there. But to be honest there are also inward mistakes that you make, and there is that daily taunting, and reminding yourself that you failed the test, and it becomes an inward shame that you endure every day. Enduring that kind of daily pain, Peter says, has “no” rewards.

But, Peter says that when we do what is right and pass those inward tests, there is a special favor placed on your life by God. God sees something in common between you and Jesus and that is suffering rightly for “Good.” God says that kind of “silent suffering” draws His attention, and He opens His loving arms to give you protection, and approval, and a feeling of “wellness. So today follow in the footsteps of Christ, and honor God in all your moments, and feel His comfort and peace within...God Bless.

Pastor William