Nougat 2

Sometimes in life, situations come before us that are clearly labelled, ‘TEST’. It doesn’t mean that we’re always successful, but that we can recognise some circumstances as a test of our faith. In the moment, we may not have the presence of mind to try to pass the test – worry, fear, anger, even joy might overshadow our response. But, Today’s Holy Nougat tells us that there is definitely a more excellent way.

Acts 4:7-8 CEVDCI

[7] They brought in Peter and John and made them stand in the middle while they questioned them. They asked, “By what power and in whose name have you done this?”

[8] Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and told the nation’s leaders and the elders:

Filled with God’s Spirit

They had simply done what Y’shua expected of them. In His name and by the power of God’s Spirit they healed a lame man. And, when the opportunity came, they shared the Gospel with all who cared to listen. In short order, the Test came. They were arrested, put on trial by the same religious leaders who saw to the crucifixion of Y’shua, their leader.

One of the two arrested was Peter. Yes, the same Simon Peter whom the devil requested God’s permission to sift him like wheat (see Luke 22:31-32); i.e., to test him. The same Peter who sliced the ear of the soldier who sought to arrest Y’shua (see John 18:10-11); and denied Christ (see Luke 22:55-62; Matthew 26:69-75; and Mark 14:66-72). The very same Peter who previously declared Y’shua as the Messiah in Matthew 16:16. He was loyal and quick-tempered. He was also prone to self-preservation.

Some would say it wasn’t a regular test, it was a resit. Whatever it was, Peter was in the examination room once more. And he didn’t complain.

Self-Check

How often do we find ourselves in the exam room? Do we recognise when we’re facing a resit or a new test?

Deeper Dive

The urge to title this Nougat ‘The Test’ is strong. But it then places the primary focus on the test. The test is important. We all face tests in life – literally and spiritually. Sometimes we even get to resit the ones we fail. That too, is important.

What I believe God desires us to remember above all however, is that we never enter any examination room entirely blank. It may not seem wholly applicable to what we’re being tested on, or we might not realise how to fully unlock our gifts and skills. In some instances, that which we’re being tested on hasn’t been fully developed in us – the test is a bit early.

In the spiritual realm, our major ‘tool’, rather, our primary gift, is God’s Spirit. When the devil requests to sift us like wheat, God’s Spirit is at the ready, offering us God’s Truth to prove us worthy. We know this because we see the evidence in Peter’s life. The same quick-tempered Peter, being filled with the Holy Spirit, was able to respond to his leader’s murderers.

Nothing else had changed. It was still Peter. But, he was neither physically attacking them nor running away. He knew that, in God’s Spirit, he was fully equipped for the test. It was easier for him to focus on God’s Spirit as he was fully yielded to Christ. In the previous instances, Peter – like many of us – may have been too distracted to realise that God’s Spirit offered the full guarantee of worthiness in God’s sight. By letting go of distractions, Peter had more room for God’s Spirit to abide in him.

When we recognise fear, jealousy, gossip, unwholesome thoughts, doubt, and anger as both distractions and tests, we will find that we have more room for God’s Spirit to direct us. Those tests will diminish in fearsomeness, and, like Peter, we will be filled with God’s Spirit. We will overcome. We can already start praising God for the victory.

[And remember, as long as there’s life, there’s room for a resit in God’s exam room. So no need to get worried. We will overcome.]

Point to Ponder

What distractions are we facing that seek to fill the spaces where God’s Spirit should occupy? Is it time for a spiritual ‘spring cleaning’?

Remember that any test we face begins with an assumption that we have capacity, whether in Christ or in gifts and skills. We won’t give up. Let’s give in to God’s Spirit.

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May all we seek be found in Christ