“Courage is not limited to the battlefield or the Indianapolis 500 or bravely catching a thief in your house. The real tests of courage are much quieter. They are the inner tests, like remaining faithful when nobody's looking, like enduring pain when the room is empty, like standing alone when you're misunderstood.” Charles Swindoll quote (random thoughts this quote brought to my heart.)
Most test of courage is plastered on front pages of magazine, newspapers for the whole world to see but those inner test that reveal the character of our soul take more courage then the big ones. If we fail the inner tests then we will for sure fail the big ones. Now grant you when we fail those inner test the results will eventually be seen by others.
Nobody knows what movies I watch unless I tell them, or what kind of books I read. But soon the words of my mouth will spill out what ever it is I am taking in. Facebook and tons of blogs have given outlets to let the whole world know what you are thinking about for out of the heart comes the words we say or write. You can fool people some of the time but not all the time. And we never fool God.
My quest to be a courageous wise hearted woman has led me to test my heart motive in all things. I want to pass the tests that come my way daily, lay my head on my pillow at night knowing I did my best and not have guilt flood me over a test I failed that day.
Sometimes when they give you a test you get to see a sample test to help you understand what the tester wants from you. I ask the tester of my life to give me a sample and He gave me... Jesus, He never failed a test.
Trust me when I say I have failed many test and instead of an F, Jesus the perfect test taker signed my test in red...blood red, I have passed this for her.
Are you in a testing time now? Take it to the perfect test taker.
It will be good to hear those words "Well Done you good and faithful servant," went we come to the review of the tests we have been given. Excellent thoughts here, and I love the quotes too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Hazel, I did not link to your post this time. I was doing good to get a post out. Our daughter and family are here from Papua New Guinea and life has become wonderful busy with all five grand children together.
ReplyDeleteWise Hearted Woman indeed. You're right, Betty, eventually who we are will be seen the world, and it usually comes in times of testing. Your words and actions are those of a person who has spent a lifetime testing and self reflecting. We can't get that kind of wisdom from the world and comes from the spilled blood of our Savior. I liked that analogy of the test signed in His blood. Thanks, Betty.
ReplyDeleteThanks brother for stopping by. I am sure you have had a few test in your life or you would not be able to write truth so clearly.
ReplyDeleteOur family is in the midst of a major testing time, each of us struggling with various trials. I know we have to stop listening to our heads and trust with our hearts, trust that our Savior knows it all and has the best planned for us.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth will be praying for you. I was trying to think if there ever was a time we were not being tested...nope. The battle continues on for all you mentioned, our lives, our minds, our bodies, our emotions. God is right in the middle of your trial. Hang in there blogging friend.
ReplyDeleteI guess after failing so many times, the Truth began to sink in!
ReplyDeleteIt does take a while Floyd...but God so wants us to "get it"...it's that truth that keeps us from going down to the pits when we fail. Or better yet pulls us out of the self pity pit. The older I get, the more I realize how powerful, "knowing He loves me regardless" is. Thanks for replying.
ReplyDeleteDear Betty
ReplyDeleteWe know so well when we have failed a test!! That inner peace that comes from the presence of our Pappa God becomes a bit disturbed. It is af if He disapproves of what you have done, but never of you!!
Much love
Mia
P.S. I would like to follow your blog by email, but I don't seem to find a place where I can subscribe. Will you please let me know if it is possible?
Mia, you are so much more advanced then I am in the blogging world.
ReplyDeleteThe only way to follow me is to collect my button...but I will check into how to do it by email. Do I just post my blog on my email account? Or the other way around..
Thanks for stopping by, I have really been enjoying your post. Always on the lookout for wise hearted women. Blessings
I'm really, really, really in testing time right now. Thanks so much for the encouragement, Betty.
ReplyDeleteI'm really, really, really in testing time right now. Thanks so much for the encouragement, Betty.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, I will pray for you. We know those testing times are for maturing us but sometimes it just stinks.
ReplyDeleteHi Betty,
ReplyDeleteThose tests every day, huh, of my attitudes, actions, thoughts...
What fun for you to have company, and to enjoy grandkids. What type of conference were you at in MO?
Jennifer Dougan
www.jenniferdougan.com