Day Five.......Life from God's view

Ah tests.........We are always involved in one every single day. Every day we choose different paths we will take on a personal and spiritual level. Those of you who've heard me preach or have read my posts in various Christian groups know that one of my favorite things to say is, "What we go through, we grow through. And if we don't grow through it, chances are, we will go through it again." It's really true on so many levels. Our resolve is tested in that we don't see results immediately sometimes when we pray. I remember when I first became a Christian nearly everything I prayed happened almost instantly. It was so cool. I don't know if then I was asking with more faith or if I was just asking for simpler things then..........Man I don't know. But I know now, as Daniel found out, that sometimes it takes a while for prayers to be answered. In fact, Jesus prayed a prayer in John 17:20-26 for the unity of His body, the church. It hasn't been answered yet. So don't get discouraged when things don't happen instantly. Unfortunately we are conditioned by our society that everything must be instant, and that everything you did from the time you were born until now is open for discussion, examination, and ridicule. I praise God that most of you don't know everything about me. I wasn't a pleasant fellow for a very long time, and I did some very wicked and nasty things. I am thankful that all that is under the blood of Jesus now. Now for the tough part..........

"What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?"

Well, in answer to the first one.....I have a very dear friend from KC, KS who recently paid me a visit. He stopped down here (South Texas) for a few days, and then was on to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. He invited me to go to NO for the last couple days of Mardi Gras to witness and be a part of what was going on there with different groups witnessing to the folks. Part of me wanted to jump at the chance. But I had already been commissioned by the Lord to do this study. I really struggled with my decision for about 10 minutes. Then I realized that God wouldn't call me to do one thing and then contradict it with another assignment that would interfere with the first. So I decided not to go. And as for the 2nd question..........God has entrusted the Gospel to me. He hasn't appointed angels but He has appointed us to live our lives in such a way that we are a living testimony to His love, His mercy, and His grace. THAT, my friends, is an awesome responsibility. :-) James