THE TEST

There is a tribe in South America that requires all young boys to have a test before being accepted as men in the tribe. They must go out into the jungle and spend the night alone, with only a knife for protection. The stay awake throughout the night. They hear the sounds of the jungle, their hearts pounding in anticipation for the attack of a jaguar, or some poisonous snake to slither up to warm itself and then bite them when startled. But as the first light of morning grows stronger, they are overcome with joy and relief. For close by, they found their own father standing ready with a bow and arrow to protect their son from any danger.

                                          

And so it is in our own lives. God sends us into seemingly terrifying tests, new jobs, crumbling marriages, losing loved ones, huge debts, and the rest, and yet He is there covering us with His grace, as He always has. But, we forget so easily, the past tests and His presence.