It's not until you start going through a major crisis in your life that you start reading about trials and temptations in God's Word. 1st Peter gave me a lesson that I had already heard but it reminded me of something important when it comes to testing times.

It's not very hard to understand. In fact, it's very plain. Testing times are a part of everyday life. Each day I will face a test if not more than one and what I go through that day depends solely on if I pass or fail the tests put before me.

1st Peter 1:7 says the trials of our faith being much more precious than gold...might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Our testing times make us who we are. Though we may fail one today, we have a chance to redeem ourselves tomorrow. I am much stronger after battling those testing times that almost put me under. What I thought was killing me was actually God making me stronger. He is just making me who He wants me to be.

Even though I don't like those types of test, I am glad that we have a Heavenly Father who not only wants us to become stronger but He helps us in the process.

1st Peter 1:5 tells me that I am kept by the power of God through faith. The same power that He used to save me is the same power He uses to keep me. If it was good enough and strong enough then, it should do the trick now. But the question does not revolve around the power of God, He has proven His power over and over. The question relies in our faith in Him to see us through it.

"God, I realize that I will have test today that I really need to pass to become a stronger Christian. Help me with your power to withstand, through faith in you, whatever is thrown at me in attempt to throw me off course. Help me to see the test when it is coming. I pray I am a stronger and more dedicated follower of YOU when I lay my head down tonight than I was when I woke up this morning, Amen!"

Headed out now to pass my tests!