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It was a season of delays and longsuffering. I had prayed, labored, and waited expectantly for what I had longed for from the Lord, but things constantly went wrong. Nothing manifested for me.

During these times, I was tempted to become discouraged. Other temptations magnified, and it seemed as if this would never end. But I was encouraged as I read about God's commendation of the church of Philadelphia. One of the major praises given by Christ concerned how they had kept His words despite how little they were and how little strength they had. Because of that, the Lord would keep them from the hour of trial that was coming to test the earth's inhabitants.

When I realized that such light and momentary afflictions prepare me for eternal glory, it became much easier to stand firm and trust Christ despite the delays, which were not God's denials.

We are tempted to quit when our strength feels small, yet the Lord God is testing and refining our character and reminding us to be patient. One of the most encouraging truths we can cling to is that if the Lord God is providing the results, it isn't up to us to try and control the outcomes only He can produce. We must simply be still and at peace, rest confidently on His Word, and believe we will reap a harvest in due season if we faint not.

When experiencing a difficult trial that tests and challenges us, the temptation to falter and give up often intensifies right before the Lord is about to do something amazing. We should trust the Lord God to make a way through temptation and bring us into His presence in due season.

Many of us will be tested throughout the course of our lives, but how seriously do we take these tests? Think of what you need to pass God's tests. Then seek out the word of the Lord and delight in Him.