Day 151
Proverbs 12:13
“The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips; but the just shall come out of trouble.”
Some of us, or maybe all of us, have had a particular spiritual test more than once. We have failed miserably in the way we handled it, and before too long, we got another chance to see how we would fare. Solomon said in Proverbs 12:13, “The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips.” It is not just because of his wickedness that a person gets into trouble, but his wickedness comes through his mouth and causes the trouble. If he would say the right things, he could save himself. The same is true for us, the righteous. The verse above states, “the just shall come out of trouble.” It is not only because he is just that he is delivered, but his righteousness comes from his lips and saves him. Either he speaks out of his faith toward God, or he calls on God for help.
In times past, we have been trapped in the same way the wicked have brought hurt to themselves - by wrong reactions to our trouble. We have uttered the wrong words. Our self control was overridden by our desire to serve our flesh for a moment. Our behavior exemplified that of someone who has no hope, or no God. Our test grade was “F” that time. If we are realistic, we know another opportunity will come to pass the same test again. So, we need to make preparations. We need to study and condition ourselves to prepare for success. We have what it takes. God will not allow us to experience a test that is too difficult for us to pass. However, He will not do our homework for us or guarantee our success, without our having to do our part.
As we study, let us meditate on how we should have responded. How would Jesus have responded? If we already knew the right response, we must question why the wrong reaction was manifested. If our flesh was dominating at the time, we need to restructure our time to feed our spirits more than our flesh. We may need to allocate more time to prayer, Bible study or declarations of God’s Word. Or, perhaps we only need to give one area in particular more attention. Whatever the case, may we be better prepared when the test comes around again.
I will fortify myself to be able to pass the tests I have failed. By the help of God, I will overcome and glorify my Lord by the manner in which I conduct myself.