The test

“My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance.”

‭‭James (Jacob)‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭TPT‬‬

We face many tests: how will I handle the difficult person; how will I handle a hard experience; how will I handle a good experience; how will I handle a wonderful person? Good and bad, they all test me.

This past week had been difficult. I struggled from Sunday to Wednesday to obtain a visa to stay in Nepal. Realistically, many others have been through worse. Monday, I began college with a teacher who speaks little English. We are copying text from a book; many new words and in a echoey room, which plays havoc with my ears. Suddenly we had a test on said text and although I felt overwhelmed, I survived, completed and past, with a little help from my teacher. I finished the week exhausted. 

Yesterday, I realised I had to cull things from my schedule. I resigned from being an advocate for refugees and gave notice that I will end being the coordinator for the greeting of people at church in June. My reason, I have added things that would require my absence from Kathmandu. This year had things coming up that would take me away from Nepal also.

I received a hearty thanks for work done and appreciation for listening to the refugees, which was good. However, the sense of freedom was greater. I was euphoric. That euphoria lasted all day and I cooked a lemon meringue pie, intended for a friend’s birthday. Instead my flatmates and I tucked into it. The concern was, was it cooked all the way through. I had tried to blind bake the pasty flan but because I did not have a pie dish the sides collapsed. This required me to fill the flan with the lemon meringue sooner than anticipated. I think my flatmates really enjoyed the pie (I did also), they had never made or ate such a delight. (I plan to make another before the birthday). The experience was such fun!

In hindsight, I was having to manage the opposite of the whole week, in one day. Euphoria is just as deadly as depression. Both are extremes of emotion and in both I need the Lord’s presence. In both I need His wisdom and guidance. Guidance is sought for more in difficult times. Whereas,  euphoria causes one to act quickly and emotionally.

In review, I had experienced two trials. How I allow both to determine my steps is inportant. What is the Lord’s plan and where is He leading me? Euphoria tends towards arrogance and self- righteousness. It is more dangerous! Therefore, I need the Lord more, not less! In both, I need to ensue! Amen!