Report Card

“Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119:11

Knowing and hiding God’s Word in my heart yet still facing struggles daily, I can’t imagine how people cope with every-day-life not having His Word to cling to with the hope of His help and interventions. As I stood before the bathroom sink, the Lord once again spoke to me as I thought about and prayed for the people He put on my heart that morning. He reminded me of Abraham's faith test with his son, Isaac. By not trusting and waiting on God, the old patriarch made many mistakes and failed many times in his lifetime but learned through his failures the one who called Himself, “I AM,” was trustworthy. He surrendered the promised son into his heavenly Father’s hands to do what was best. Had God tested Abraham’s faith? Yes, He did, and this time, Abraham passed, acing the test!

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

As believers and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, The Light of the world is in us; the Word is ready and willing to light our way if we let it. Or does your “glass” need cleaning for The Light to shine through? An unclean vessel hinders The Light and faith from doing their work. What grade would you get today on brightness and believing God?

Order my steps in thy word and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” Psalm 119:133

I had two premature babies. Three days passed before I could hold our son in my arms to comfort him, bind with him and say everything was okay. Although I knew his being in the incubator immediately after birth was best for him, I didn’t like being apart from him. Seven days would pass before I held our baby girl. I saw her for only a moment, and then the medical team took her to another hospital hours away to care for her critical needs. I knew what was best for my babies, but I still longed to have them with me. I didn’t know then what I know now about trusting God, but I was learning. God was teaching me His Word and testing me. Sometimes my scores were low, but God didn’t give up on me. And although I faltered and, at times, behaved selfishly, I learned to trust Him more as I let Him establish my steps according to His Word.

Paul says we can rejoice in life's struggles and difficulties because these develop perseverance, character, and hope, faith (Rom 5:1–5). My testing grades have improved because of the trials God has helped me through since those early training days, and I’m still learning and growing in my walk with the Lord. Some days are better than others, but I can say today without hesitation, “Lord, I want what You want more than the desires of my heart.” Open your report card; your scores show how you handled life’s tests. If you aren’t satisfied with your grades, it isn’t too late to make improvements. God demands and honors obedience.