Measuring, Weighing and Testing

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38 ESV

“God will test you because he wants you to grow up. He wants you to mature. He wants you to develop a walk with him that is not based on your fluctuating emotions but on your commitment to him as you learn to walk by faith.” —Greg Laurie

If any Biblical character was pummeled with trouble, it was the Apostle Paul. Shipwrecks, beatings, hunger, cold, and exhaustion were his unruly companions. The Father was measuring, weighing, and testing him for Paul’s good and growth and ours.

We are measured and tested too. It’s for our benefit. I think of all the tests I’ve had in my life; they were repeated until the lessons took hold. Bad news: I’m older and I’m still taking tests. The good news is they are not the same tests. Better news: Times of refreshing.

What do I need to learn from this? I have to be honest. I’m very concerned about the division in our nation. I pray and take classes about the Constitution. This leads me back to many lessons like the state of our families, honing communication skills and contributing to local charities. The truth is I can’t change the world. The truth is I’m not supposed to. I can be God or I can let God. I’m glad the Father is in charge. Do I truly believe this? Measuring, weighing and testing.

Show up. With the talents, resources, and patience the Father has abundantly given us to effect positive change. The changes may be in our families, workplaces or churches and that’s how the Father prefers to work. Like a tossed pebble into a pond, the ripples spread.

Reading the Bible and seeing the ordinary become life-giving and life-changing encourages us forward and upward. Some of the ordinary things in the Bible that turned miraculous were the Israelites escaping through the dry Red Sea, the day of Pentecost, and Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. No social media sites or PR firms are to be found. The feeding of over 5,000 who were hungry, thirsty and tired. Jesus noticed they were helpless and harassed like sheep without a shepherd, like us—But multitudes just showed up and saw with amazement and thanks the world change. We will too—good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over right into our laps.

Musings

It isn’t by might or by power but by my Spirit. This statement in Zechariah reminds me that apart from Jesus, I can do nothing. And that’s a relief! But for our growth and others’ growth, we will be measured, weighed and tested.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Just like the Bible greats, we have our missions and lessons, especially in our families, churches and communities. We thank you for measuring, weighing, and testing us after the fact, but during is sometimes beyond our comprehension. So we show up and move forward with thanks for the faith and grace You abundantly give us through Jesus, knowing You will never leave us or forsake us.  

Amen.