The Open Book Test
Posted on August 9, 2016 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all Liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” ~James 1:5
I was never accused of being a straight A student, in fact, I was more than willing to accept a C or D anytime. I would panic when hearing we were having a test or a quiz, except if it was an “open book” test.
The Bible teaches that God will never tempt us (James 1:13) but He will test us (1st Thes 2:4). Either way He will allow things in our life to grow us. It’s how we respond that will determine whether we learn and grow or ignore and become confused. But, He will always make a way of escape for a temptation and if He’s testing us it’s always an open book test.
The book of James is a good source of reference when it comes to the practical life we have in Christ. Before coming to Christ I would fail miserably at life, it seemed that even the simplest things would turn out to be a failure. When I became a Christian it was as if someone gave me the Teachers edition workbook, all the answers were there. I realized that with the Holy Spirit in me I was given the opportunity to access wisdom from above.
In James 3:17 he writes “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy”. My first thought was “if I knew this before it would have saved me a lot of trouble”.
I remember reading verses in Isaiah 55 that said,
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts”.
These verses come as “An Invitation to Abundant Life”.
I have this sense of security that the God of the universe has my best interest in mind. I no longer have to wander around aimlessly but am given the words of life and will be able to face every test and temptation with an “open book” full of answers. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
The other benefit I get is that even when I fail the test God will let me take it over again. I need to be willing to confess that His ways are higher and repent by turning around and walking towards Him. I don’t know if I can find the scripture to back up the idea that He also grades with a curve, but I know He doesn’t expect too much from anyone but does want us to give our all.
So if you’re feeling like you’ve been failing the test, open the Book, it’s got all the answers, Amen!
Written by Rob Russomano: Rob is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events.
The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 70; Proverbs 9
Daily Quote: “Everything God does is love — even when we do not understand Him.” ~Basilea Schlink
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”
~Zephaniah 3:17
Want to get away & have dedicated time to read & learn God’s Word?
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
