Testing

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23‭-‬24 NIV

God isn't impressed with what we say or even what we think we understand. We may think our hearts are in the right place but what do we know? Who knows us better than God?

As a martial arts student I'm fairly confident in my abilities. I also understand what I don't know and what I can or cannot do. It's my job as a student to continue bettering myself. But if I only train with lower ranks, I'll never get better. The way I get better is by testing my skills against those of higher rank or those who have better athletic skills than myself. That's how I get better. It hurts sometimes and my pride is usually injured worse than anything. Our head instructor's job is to test us, push us, help us rid ourselves of bad habits and instill good habits.

And even though it's not always fun, and it hurts sometimes, we should want God to test us, get rid of the bad, get rid of the fear. Let him replace it with light and love and peace.

So let this prayer be yours. God please test our hearts and see to it that there is no wrong way in us. Amen.