We all have experienced tests: tests in school, in sports and, probably most difficult, in life. Regardless of the area in which we are tested, we all long to pass. For sports, whether it's testing our speed in track, our endurance in cross country, our strength in wrestling or football or our coordination in basketball, we want to succeed. And the same is true in life. When our patience is tested, we hope we show self-control; when our honesty is tested, we hope we are deemed trustworthy. We all want to pass the tests that come our way.

Sometimes, however, we lose sight of the purpose of such tests. When we’re being challenged, we sometimes question God and ask if He is punishing us. In His Word, He says, "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow" (James 1:2-3).

Recently, I experienced such a test. And though I experienced an inner struggle for several days, I was so convicted to do the right thing that I didn’t focus on what I was giving up. Instead, I looked forward to the blessings that would come out of my obedience. My pastor recently said, "Obedience is the surest sign that Jesus is Lord of your life. It proves you love Him and that He is on the throne of your life." He also said that tests can turn beliefs into convictions that cause us to reach for what only Christ can do through us.

Today, when we are tested, may we all turn to Christ, surrender our wills and agendas, and obey Him with urgency. We can't grow without testing, and when we pass those tests, we will be blessed through our obedience.