Time Does Not Wait For You! 5-11–25

Welcome to the word for the week. In school something amazing happens in the classroom. The students are taught the various information they need to know. In math class, they are taught the various formulas as well as how and when to use them. In language classes they are taught proper grammar both verbally and in written form. In science class they are taught about various things and then have actual practice time in the labs. The point is that everything they need to know is taught to all of the students who attend that class. Rather one chooses to listen, daydream, or have their mind somewhere else is their choice. But, the subject matter is presented to everyone at the same time. Finally, there is a thing called a test that everyone must take. The test is the real proof that demonstrates rather one has paid attention and taken heed to the information they have been given. Well, it is about to be test time in your life if you are serious about God.

The test is not given to see what you do not know. The test is given because someone feels that you have all of the necessary information you need in order to pass. That brings us to the point this week about God. I’m going to paraphrase quite a few things this week. If you are serious about where they are then you will be serious about looking them up. This is important because it is a part of your test. God will not give you more than you can bear. If you are going through something it is because God does not just feel you can handle it. He knows you can handle it because it is Him who has given you what you need. Passing the test  is how you move forward. There is no sense in looking for greater things from God if you cannot handle the things that are in front of you as you read this. There is a difference with you waiting on the Lord versus the Lord waiting on you. Stalling is the biggest problem many people will face in life. You have to be willing to face the difficult things head on or they will linger and grow beyond your ability to handle them. Again, the test is being given because the expectation from God is that you can handle what is in front of you.

This is not a written test. This is a test that is designed to test your faith. Anyone can say how much they trust God. It is only seen when you have gone through something. If you are serious about passing that test in the classroom you will do two things. You will review the things you know well just to make sure you really understand them. You will also spend some real time studying those things you do not know well. You understand that what you do not know can be the difference of passing or failing. Your walk with God is similar. You already know the things you are doing good in but you still examine them to be sure just in case. You also know your weakness. If you do not deal with your weak areas they will be the only reason why you do not pass the test. Let me put this in plain terms. The time is right now to start dealing with the things that can eventually deal with you in the worst ways later. The things you know you need to change are what you need to change. There is no reason for you to fail a test you were expected to pass.

Everything you need to know has already been taught to you. God has shown you through countless things what you need to know. It is up to you to pay attention when the class of life is in session. In this test you will be held accountable for what you did and did not do. The stakes are high. The expected outcome is that you will ace the test because you will trust in God to carry you through. There is only one way to fail and that is if you do not take it seriously. Let me say something to help you here. If you are serious about passing then you will be serious about taking your struggles to God. You will be serious about doing things differently in your life. You will be serious about your walk with Christ. You will be serious about the way you talk and how you carry yourself. You will be serious about your home life the same way you are serious about how you act when you are in public. You will not take any days off with God. You will not think wrong is right. You will not have the kind of pride that stops you from being honest with God. If you are serious about passing this test then you will be serious about getting right with God while there is still time.  

May the Lord continue to bless and keep you in His grace,
Bishop Carlos J. Lennon