The Test

God led me to watch Joyce Meyer one late night and I was glued...

She said a few things that struck me (my comments are in green font):

1. It is not where you start that you end - and for that to happen, we need to start. Staying in one place will not only result in stagnation but you may end worse off than you "started."
2. There were some things that Jesus bore for us and some other things that He went through so we know how to go through and overcome them like He did. Never forget that Jesus said: I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]* All we need to do is constantly and confidently walk in that victory.
3. Although we may want people's approval and applause, we must realize that we can live without it. We're definitely better without it...because that is no guarantee that we have God's approval which is what we must desire. Jesus, in John 5:41, rejected human approval - as did Paul in Galatians 1:10.
4. Every trial and test we go through will always work out for our good. Romans 8:28 says:  And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.** So let's just walk in the purpose He's called us to.

Of a truth, our lives are full of tests: if (& when) we keep our eyes on God, we will not lose our focus on where we're headed and faith in Him will carry us through. Ask Peter***, he only started to sink when he took his eyes of Jesus. When you go through your next test, if you're not in one already, keep your eyes on Jesus...

*John 16:33 (Amplified)
** New Living Translation
***Matthew 14: 22-33