Tests challenge us to make us better

Peter boldly proclaimed, ?Though all men shall be offended because of you, I will never be offended.? Jesus said to him, ?This night, before the cock crow, you shall deny me three times.? Peter, in all sincerity and confidence, vehemently announced even if he would have to die, he wouldn?t deny Jesus. We know the Lord?s prophecy came true, as a teenage girl intimidated Peter to the point he became angry and cussed and said he didn?t know him. Jesus knew Peter would fail the test that Peter was so sure he would pass.

Tests, whether in school or in life itself, are to let us know how we are doing; if we are growing and overcoming. If we fail a test, we have to retake it until we get it right (like some people?s driving tests)! Tests are not to discourage us but to let us know where we fall short. They are steppingstones to help us climb higher rather than stumbling blocks to trip us up. Proverbs 24:16 tells us a just man falls seven times and rises up; 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us everyone goes through these tests but God won?t allow us to be tested above our ability. James 1:13 says, Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he is tried, he shall receive a crown of life. So there are great rewards for passing our tests. James started his letter by saying that we need to be joyful when we have to be tested, knowing these tests of our faith will bring patience ? that we will be made perfect and desire nothing.

The test that Peter failed so miserably didn?t end there! Less than two months after he denied knowing Jesus, he stood in the midst of mockers, laughing and ridiculing their experience with God, and preached the first New Testament message that saw 3,000 souls converted.

Thank you, Jesus, for helping us get through our tests!