Testing produces a view from a different perspective. It changes us by developing our character and opens us up to see differently when trauma of the test is processed through redemption.
Tests come when we are entering into a new authority or wineskin. This is why surrendering to God’s will is important. God never ask for anything without multiplying the rewards from that sacrifice. Abraham became the father of nations when he surrendered Isaac and his future legacy. Jesus’s death and resurrection is still populating heaven with sons and daughters.
People can become confused when life is hard. They wonder why there are so many bad things happen in this world if God is in control. I don’t have the answer to all of these confusing questions but here is what I discovered.
God gave us a free will to use it to bring life or death. You see this when Adam and Eve chose the wrong tree in the garden. This single act of eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil produced death by tapping into the wrong kingdom. It was a spiritual death that kept them and us separated from God. It opened a pandora’s box which opened the door to chaos. Jesus’s death and resurrection took back that authority and brought us back to life.
When we accept Jesus’s sacrifice, we become children of God. As God’s kids, Jesus gives us his authority to take back what the devil stole in the garden.
The Path to Restoration.
When we surrender to God in our testing it removes hinderances to our faith. It releases God power and authority in our lives. The same with the principle of “turning the other cheek.” When we forgive, it allows God’s power to be released into the situation. If we don’t forgive, it becomes a double-edged sword that hurts us and hurts our relationship with the other person. It causes a roadblock to God answering your prayers.
Redemption works when we walk in God’s love. Stephen was stoned for loving Jesus. Saul was standing there watching and approving this action. Stephen forgave those who were throwing stones at him. Then God knocked Saul off his high horse and turned him into Paul, the apostle. God saw Saul’s heart to want to serve God in the wrong way. God’s love can melt hard hearts. We need this perspective to see people like God sees them. We need our God’s glasses to see the treasures buried in people’s hearts. Loving people that are unlovable is a test.
How Does Restoration Work?
When my Christian husband decided he didn’t want to be married to me, I left with a few household goods and an old vehicle that needed repairs. It was my good credit that allowed us to buy a beautiful house. I loved our house. I knew something was wrong with my marriage for three years, but I couldn’t break through the unforgiveness that my husband had towards me.
I got an apartment and all hell broke loose when I moved out. My checks were stolen from the mailbox. My bank account was frozen for a month because the thief wrote checks all over the city on my account. My car radio was stolen. I had to go to my sister’s home for food. My boss decided to yell at me in front of the whole office because I was following the proper procedure that she didn’t like.
I was supposed to receive money for my part of the house. I never got a dime. But the peace I had through all of these harassments was priceless. Within six months, I got my car fixed and had enough savings to move back to Pennsylvania and start over.
I chose to forgive my ex-husband and let go of the money he owed me. It was hard financial for a time, but God kept opening doors to bring my skill set up that gave me opportunities to move forward in my career. Now, many years later, I own a beautiful home which was paid for in less than five years. Financially God provided three retirement incomes.
I have friends, family, and financial freedom to serve the Lord. The hard places brought me to a place in God that is priceless. Because I see through God’s perspective, hard times became steppingstones to God’s best. I am praying that God heals the trauma from all the tough times you have walked through. May you see from God’s perspective and allow Him to redeem all that was lost in your life!
Prayer
Father God,
I want to walk with Your perspective when hard times hit. Forgive me for complaining and help me to forgive those who have made my life harder. I do choose to surrender these things to You. I ask for the wisdom and comfort of Holy Spirit as I walk this path. I ask for Jesus to lead me to Your best path for my life. Reveal to me things that need to be restored or redeemed in my life. Help me to let go and trust that You are on my side. Because of Jesus and empowered by Holy Spirit, amen!
Scriptures
Matthew 5:38-39, Acts 7:54-60, Acts 26, Genesis 22, and Genesis 3.
Outhouse Ministries 
Leave a comment