God doesn’t give multiple-choice tests. He doesn’t assign essays. God gives practical exams.
God tested Abraham by telling him to sacrifice Isaac. (Genesis 22:1)
He tested the Israelites for forty years in the wilderness to see what was in their hearts and whether or not they would walk in His instruction. (Exodus 16:5, Deuteronomy 8:2)
He tested them “to find out if you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 13:3).
He tested Joseph: “They afflicted his feet with fetters, he himself was laid in irons; until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him” (Psalm 105:18–19).
The problem
My vision got much worse over a few weeks. I just learned I have three eye conditions, two of which require surgery and one that is not treatable.
EEK!
After my brain, my vision is most important to me.
The Practical Exam
This is my 29th post in “Pressing On Together.” My book, When Storms Come: Will You Be Ready? Is due out in May or June.
Do I believe God? Do I believe what I’ve written? Can I apply it? Will I pass God’s practical exam?
Do I love the Lord more than my eyesight?
What I’m doing
I have been repeating to myself:
God is in control (true).
God loves me (true).
God has a loving purpose for this (true).
God will be with me through this (true).
Even if I lose my sight, God will have a purpose for my life (true).
I have a special opportunity to testify about His love and power (true).
God will use this to make me more into the image of His Son (true).
Am I going to be obedient to the truth? (Romans 1:5, 1 Peter 1:22)
I also have been praying for healing.
Going Forward
I am determined to focus on all He has done for me and all I have rather on what I may lose.
He has blessed me with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3).
I have been given everything pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
I have family and friends.
And health insurance!
I am determined to practice gratitude.
Trials have a purpose
I know God will bring good out of this.
Trials build character. (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4)
God uses trials to do good for us in the end “In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end” (Deuteronomy 8:16).
Trials build faith so that my faith “may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7).
What’s next
I am in the early stages of this trial, this practical exam. More testing is required on my eyes. I haven’t yet selected a retinal surgeon.
If I keep my eyes on God and His promises, I’m okay. Scared, but okay.
I’ll let you know.
