Bridget A. Thomas
Every day is a gift!
Is This a Test?
No, this post isn’t a test. But in life we will be tested often.
It says in Proverbs 17:3 AMP, “The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests hearts.”
When things go wrong, or when life brings one problem after another, stop and consider – could this be a test?
I’m sorry to say, I have failed many of these tests. I’m so thankful the Lord doesn’t give up on us!
Maybe, like me, you wonder why we have to be tested. Why can’t life just be easy? As the verse above implies, the Lord is refining us. In our testing, He is strengthening us. When we have to wait, we are learning patience. When we don’t get our way, we are learning to trust God.
When you are being tested, make a decision to face your test with faith. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Ask Him to show you what it is you need to learn. And allow Him to lead you through this difficulty. There is no safer place to be than in His hands.
Pray with me: LORD, I’m sorry I have often failed the tests in life. I allow worry and fear to have too much room in my heart. As a result, my faith and trust weaken. I’m making a decision, here and now, to keep my focus on You. No matter what. I choose to trust You, every day. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
© 2018-2026 Bridget A. Thomas. All rights reserved.
Bridget A. Thomas 
Yes Bridget, we must fix our eyes on Jesus when the test comes, because God tests our hearts. If we keep our eyes fixed on the Lord we will pass the test. So beautifully stated, Bridget. Thanks for sharing.
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What a gift we have in Jesus. Through all of life’s ups and downs, He is there to keep us on track. 🙌🏻 Thank you for stopping by, Eric!
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When facing challenges, often my focus initially especially is only getting out of it. When I find myself continuing to walk in the valley, there comes a point where I know that I am not necessarily being molded through this life lesson into what Christ is intending to. Love what you shared here about looking to God, surrendering to Him and allowing Him to lead us through the difficulty.
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I know what you mean – I too just want the difficulty to end. God’s timing and ways are different than ours. We have to learn to follow Him, even when the situation seems to drag out. It can be really uncomfortable at times, if we aren’t trusting in Him. I’m glad He is always there to guide us, no matter what. 🙌🏻
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A great reminder to look to the One who will get us through the test. Trials seem to test where our focus and loyalty lie. Will we trust in Him or our own wavering and inadequate strength? Thanks for sharing! Good to see a post from you, too!! ❤️
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I love your question – “Will we trust in Him or our own wavering and inadequate strength?” Such a great point because that is often what we try to do – rely on our own inadequate strength. I’m so glad the Shepherd is there to help us follow Him, even when we try to make things happen on our own. He’s so good. 🙌🏻 Thank you, my friend! I know you also have had a few posts recently that I missed. I will be catching up. 😁
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Just as fire purifies metal, trials purify people. 😬 I take heart that God walks me through each and every trial, though sometimes in hindsight. 🙏🏻
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A great point about hindsight! When we are in the midst of something painful, it can be difficult to see how God is working. I’m so thankful He is always there, even if we can’t see it yet. 🙌🏻
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I can’t imagine what all you’ve been going through, Bridget, but I do know God is faithful in the storms to see us through to the shore. I believe keeping our eyes on Jesus is paramount in this chaotic, crazy, contentious world we presently inhabit. It’s always good to see a post from you. May you be encouraged by the words others are saying in response to your timely post. Abundant blessings 🙏
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Thank you, Rainer, for your encouragement. It does my heart good. Thank you for the reminder that God is faithful. Sometimes it’s difficult to see in the midst of the trials. Like the scared disciples on the boat in the middle of the storm – they had to trust Jesus. And we do too. Oh how grateful I am for the Lord and His goodness. 🙌🏻 I hope you have a beautiful SONday,. Blessings to you, your wife, and your mom.
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Tests help me track where I am. I used to be frustrated by having tests repeated but learned that I was learning a different facet.
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That’s a good point and such a wonderful way to look at it! 🥰
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❤
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Amen. ❤️
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🙏🏻♥️
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Amen! Thank you for the prayer. God can see our whole heart. We can’t fool Him. I’m thankful He loves us so much that He will help us to be better through the tests of life.
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So very true. He is all we need. ♥️
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