Test into testimony

Hebrews 12:1-3 (Amplified Bible)

1THEREFORE THEN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,

2Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

3Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself [reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds.

Since we are surrounded by such a ‘cloud of witnesses’ that bear witness to God’s word, then we should run the race just as the scripture tells us to.

There are millions of people past and present who have a testimony and prove the will of God so we too will come out of the test with a testimony proving it.

God’s faith is not so much in us, that we can make it through, but rather in Himself that He can get us through.

Keep your eyes on the author and finisher of your faith and he will bring you through.

Your life is in Him and you need to lose yours, to gain His. That is where faith comes in. You can’t see your new life because it is hidden in Him, and the only way to get it is through Him. We must work out our salvation through his sufferings (Colossians 3, Philipians 2:12, 1 Peter 4:12-13).

Be confident in the fact that you are suffering (righteous suffering) because there is a better life on the other side.

Learn to obey Him in all things and He will reward you. He is teaching you obedience in this trial because He is worthy of being obeyed. He wants you to be obedient, though it seems your life is at stake.   He is showing you how great and loving He is and worthy of being obeyed.  Because He is taking you where  disobedience cannot enter. Begin to focus your heart on obeying His commands and allowing Him to write them on your heart, so you may walk in them forever.

To obey Him is the best thing you can ever do. When you love Him you will obey Him.

Ask God to teach you obedience.

Your new life will be revealed at the end so rejoice in this present suffering because just like everyone else who testifies to the Power and will of God, you too will emerge without even the smell of smoke. If Jesus suffered unjustly, so must we because of Him. Obey Him in the suffering and you will come out clean. If God said you would make it through, then be glad because He cannot lie. Praise Him now for who He is and He will show you who He is. Your life has already been written and God promised a happy ending so don’t be discouraged by the wind and the rain because they cannot overcome you.

The only reason you have trouble obeying Him now is because you don’t truly know Him (all He is) and if you don’t truly know Him, you cannot believe Him (His word), hence the discouragement and fear. You will get more faith when you know Him more and the only way to do that is to suffer with Him. He is worthy of being obeyed no matter how bad your life gets.

You will have your testimony when you make it through the test.

Check out Psalm 119.

Blessings.