Tag Archives: Passing life’s tests

Test Me!

My first symptoms of Leukemia were extreme back pain and anemia. I thought I had simply thrown my back out and was worn down from that. But a blood test revealed that my blood counts were dangerously low. So more tests were ordered: another blood test, a CAT scan, EKG, X-Rays, and finally a bone marrow test. From this the diagnosis was made: “You have Leukemia.” And then more testing continues on a daily or weekly basis throughout the treatment phase. (The only test they have neglected to make is of my wallet! :-))

There are some tests we can prepare for: high school quizzes, college entrance exams, work competency tests, even the test of marriage, or applying for a new job assignment. Each of these require preparation and examination of material that is somewhat unfamiliar and challenging to us. Some of these tests have to be repeated throughout life.

This journey with Leukemia has tested me in ways I had not imagined and was not fully prepared. It has been amongst the hardest of any I have faced before. It has required examining my heart and the depths of my understanding. And the test is ongoing.

But throughout each day’s test I have been strengthened by God’s grace and His immense mercy toward me. The comfort and truth of His Word have stood up to every daily test and have kept me from failing. Through this He has shown me once again that I really can believe His truths because they are most practical for daily living. Yes, I still struggle and wander throughout the day; I still get distracted. But God is always faithful to bring me back to center. He has given me an amazing wife to walk with me and support me through the tests. And He has shown me that my tests are minor compared to others, which makes it easy to give thanks and to pray for those whose tests are very hard indeed.

I hope that you find God’s presence and promise sufficient to sustain you through the tests you face.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24