2 Corinthians 13:5-9Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you.Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it. I hope the test won’t show that we have failed. But if it comes to that, we’d rather the test showed our failure than yours. We’re rooting for the truth to win out in you. We couldn’t possibly do otherwise.We don’t just put up with our limitations; we celebrate them, and then go on to celebrate every strength, every triumph of the truth in you. We pray hard that it will all come together in your lives.I didn’t always do well on tests. I did poorly when I felt nervous about the outcome, when I second guessed every answer and the truth became blurred.But these tests that Paul speaks of are a more gentle kind. But they are more important than any other test.Lord, forgive me for floating along in my Christian life. I have gotten way too busy with the cares of this life.Test me, Lord. Make sure I am listening to you. Remind me of the basics. I am a sinner. I have been forgiven. It is because of your righteousness that I am saved.And now I can talk with you every day. I can follow you every day. I read your word and you speak to me. Show me my path today and help me to listen to your guidance.Remind me of your love, your joy and your peace. Let me be filled with your patience, your gentleness and your kindness. Help me to exercise self-control, determination and your strength.Show me your knowledge, your truth and your wisdom. Help me to exercise your faith and your discernment.If I can be used today by you, show me how to do it. And then give me the strength and the courage to perform it.
