This Vagabond ...

Part 1: LIFE ON EARTH IS A TEST(Excerpts from ‘What On Earth Am I Here For’ by Rick Warren)
God continually tests people’s character, faith, obedience, love, integrity, and loyalty. Words like trials, temptations, refining and testing occur more than 200 times in God’s word.
God tested Abraham by asking him to offer his son, Isaac.
God tested Jacob when he had to work extra years to earn Rachel as his wife.
Adam & Eve failed their test in the Garden of Eden.
David failed his tests from God on several occasion.
Others who passed personal tests of character:
Joseph, Ruth, Esther, Daniel, Job etc.
Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and all of life is a test.
You are always being tested.
God constantly watches your response to people, problems, success, conflicts, illness, disappointment, and even the weather!
He even watches the simplest actions such as when you open a door for others, when you pick up a piece of trash, or when you’re polite toward a waitress or attendant.
We don’t know all the tests God will give you, but we can predict some of them, based on the Bible.
You will be tested by major changes, by delayed promises, by impossible problems, by unanswered prayers, by undeserved criticism, and even by senseless tragedies.God sometimes tests our faith through problems. Hope ~ by how we handle possessions, and love ~ through people.
One very important test is how you act when you CAN’T FEEL God’s presence in your life. Sometimes God intentionally draws back, and we don’t sense His closeness.
A king named Hezekiah experienced this test.
The Bible says, “God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and see what was really in his heart”. – 2 Chronicles 32:31.
Hezekiah had enjoyed a close fellowship with God, but at a crucial point in his life, God left him alone to test his character, to reveal a weakness, and to prepare him for more responsibility.
When you understand that life is a test, you realize that nothing is insignificant in your life. Even the smallest incident has significance for your character development.
Everyday is an important day,
and every second is a growth opportunity to deepen your character, to develop your love, or to depend on God.
Some tests seem overwhelming while others you don’t even notice.
But all of them have eternal implications.
God wants you to pass the tests of life, that’s why He never allows them to be greater than the grace He gives you to handle them.
God keeps His promise, and He will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, He will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.
Every time you pass a test, God notices.
He makes plans to reward you in eternity.
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him”
-James 1:12