Kathi Pelton: "Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3, 4"

"Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3, 4"

Kathi Pelton, Fredericksburg, Virginia

The words "Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3, 4" are most often heard when a person is doing a microphone sound check. It is to check clarity, levels and balance. So, it was interesting to wake up hearing these words. It is like a heavenly sound check is taking place. I then heard these words from the book of James, chapter 1, verses 2, 3 and 4.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4)

When Absolute Defeat Turns into Great Victory

I wonder if too many of God's people are trying to figure out what is going on by gauging the world around us? I hear statements like, "This is what I heard, but this is what I see." I truly understand and I get why there are questions, concerns and confusion. Personally, my world has been altered on so many levels, but then I remind myself of Bible story after Bible story where absolute defeat turned into a greater victory than expected, when the narration of events was written by God and not man. Here are just a few:

Young Joseph was given a dream and a coat of many colors that promised him authority, honor and favor, but the promise did not play out like Joseph thought it would in his young mind. God's narrative, quite honestly, seemed at best cruel and harsh; betrayal, slavery, isolation, abandonment, false accusation, imprisonment – but then the promise came to pass. The journey looked nothing like the dream but the outcome was so much greater and saved a nation in a time of great famine!

Then there was Moses. He went to Egypt as a deliverer of the Israelites, but I guarantee you that each time he told Pharaoh to "Let my people go!" and the Israelites labor was increased and plagues came upon the land, they most likely not only questioned his authenticity, but also did not view him as a deliverer. I imagine the accusations against Moses and Aaron were numerous. But God's narrative once again played out much differently than even Moses expected. Not only were they delivered, but their enemies were defeated. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

Let's not forget Lazarus! He was a personal friend of Jesus, a family friend, where he found a home. Basically, Lazarus was an "insider" and counted among Jesus' inner circle. When he got sick his sisters knew what to do...go get Jesus! Surely He would not let His personal friend die. He would come quickly and heal His friend. But no. He delayed and almost seemingly strolled, without any urgency, to the home of His friend. He was not only late, but Lazarus had been in the grave for days.

The pain felt by all was real and raw. The questions and statements of "Where were You?" and "If only You had been here" were intermingled with such deep grief. Yet, once again, our God was not late but was narrating a different story than anyone understood. The natural was not going to dictate the sovereignty of God or His ways. Although Lazarus was dead and it appeared final (like nothing could be done), Jesus showed up and spoke, "Come forth!"

Last, Jesus came through a virgin birth, lived a sinless life, healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, fed thousands with only a small lunch and raised the dead. His disciples knew He was their long-awaited Messiah. They had such hope, such promise and so much confidence in Him. They had seen the miracles and watched power flow from His hands. They knew that victory had come into a world of oppression. But then their precious Jesus was arrested, betrayed, beaten, crucified and put into a grave.

Can you imagine the grief, the shock, the confusion and the questions? I am sure that there were many moments of great division as His disciples and followers tried to figure out what had just happened and who was at fault. I would imagine that there were fingers pointed at one another and accusations made. Pain often looks for a reason, or for what went wrong and who to blame. It was not a pretty sight. Where had love and unity gone? But then the third day came...God's narrative once again prevailed, and the greatest victory known to mankind happened in the greatest moment of division and despair.

Here we are again... 2021 has begun with what many are perceiving as the greatest defeat they have seen in their lifetime. There has been an increasingly horrific global pandemic, with oppression and evil manifesting like the plagues of Egypt, and economic ruin for so many. And there was a shock upon the Church in America that prayed, repented for the sins of their nation, humbled themselves before the Lord and walked in faith regarding what they heard the Spirit speaking to them – but then saw the opposite happen.

Even when the narrative on Earth looks nothing like what we thought it would, does that mean that we have been defeated? It surely looks like absolute defeat (for our freedom, for the unborn, for our children, for our safety and for righteousness to prevail). But God...

This Is Our "Sound Check" Moment

In this place that appears to be a contradiction to our faith, suddenly fingers are pointing at one another; people are in pain, in grief and in confusion. They are looking for someone to blame or clinging to the narrative of what they thought would occur. But God's narrative always has a deeper work to do. (Photo via Unsplash)

What if the "testing of our faith" is upon us so that we become steadfast and complete, lacking nothing? Maybe in the midst of emotional turmoil and deep grief we should stop trying to figure out the Almighty and begin to "count it all joy" that our faith is being tested. Maybe we should stop pointing fingers and instead raise our heads so that we see the face of God. Maybe...just maybe, a much deeper work is being done.

For me, my personal losses and pain are bringing up dross that needed to be removed. Places within me, that I didn't even know had held unresolved issues, have suddenly been uncapped so that I can be washed and purified by His Blood.

This is my "sound check" moment. It's like God has put a stethoscope to my heart and is saying, "Testing, 1, 2, 3, 4." I believe this is happening for all who are willing. He's clearing and purifying the sound of our hearts. He's balancing and aligning us to His heart, His ways and His pure sound. He's removing every obstacle that blocks the pure sound of His good news and perfect love.

This is our James 1:2, 3, 4 time. Let us count it all joy and then watch a greater victory than we ever imagined come forth, as we see a Bride without spot or wrinkle emerge. We have not been defeated...we are having our faith tested and it is time to allow Him to make every adjustment needed. 

Whatever you do, don't miss another ELIJAH LIST email! Subscribe at this link: elijahlist.com/subscribe.

Kathi Pelton
Inscribe Ministries
Email: jkpelton@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.inscribeministries.com

Jeffrey and Kathi Pelton live in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Jeffrey is a writer, teacher and book editor. Kathi is an author and prophetic voice to the Church. They walk with nations and individuals to see God's original intent fulfilled. Their ministry, Inscribe Ministries, was founded upon the verse from Habakkuk 2:2 that says, "Then the LORD answered me and said: 'Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.'"

Find us on:
 * Facebook click here
 * XAPiT click here

PLEASE FORWARD to all your friends! Permission granted (and you are also encouraged) to reprint these articles in hard copy form, as well as sending them to your own email lists and posting them on your own websites. We ask only that you keep Elijah List website, email contact info, and author contact information intact.

Elijah List Publications
525 2nd Ave SW Suite 629
Albany, OR 97321
www.elijahlist.com
email: info@elijahlist.net
Phone 1-541-926-3250