FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ~ We find in Exodus 15 that the Israelites are put to a test by God. They have just been delivered from Pharoah and his army by crossing the Red Sea on dry ground. Moses and the Israelites sang a song to the Lord praising Him for their deliverance. But just three days later after traveling in the wilderness, they could not find water to drink. The people began to grumble and complain. Grumbling and complaining is a sign of a failed test. They had just experienced a miracle of God of incredible proportion and now could not believe that God was aware that they needed water to drink. 

Did you ever take a test in school that covered material that you had not covered in class or was assigned in homework? Some of us might have thought so at the time, but probably not. It would not be fair to the students to test them on material and information that they had not reviewed. The same is true about our Heavenly Father. He will not put us to a test that we have not received prior teaching or instruction. This is an important principle for us to remember as we face the challenges of life. How we respond to those challenges determines whether we pass, fail, or learn from the experience. There are tests we will pass that will allow us to continue to grow in our faith. Unfortunately, there will be tests that we fail. How we react to failure will affect us either negatively or positively. If we grumble and complain because we go through trouble, we have truly failed. But if we learn from the experience, we still have a chance to grow from the trial. Growth to be more prepared and equipped to successfully face obstacles in the future. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it an opportunity of great joy when your faith is tested. Then your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when it is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” ~ Blessings, protection, and favor to all.

Benny Nolen
Director
Joseph's Storehouse