day 905: Tests

"Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the LORD tests the heart."

Every business or organization has some form of testing that is done.  Many times that is internal, but there can also be external regulations that test the validity of a service, product or offering. But, tests are only as good as we utilize the results that can come.  It seems that there are too many examples of companies that ignore the tests that are taking place and then they act surprised when they get in trouble.  We have just gone through another setback in the banking industry as JP Morgan posted billions of dollars of losses because their internal risk tests either failed or were ignored.  Shortly after their announcement I read an article about Wells Fargo Banks Risk Committee, made up of internal and external people/experts who are constantly testing them to be sure that all is working according to plan.  Some would say that this is the job of a Board of Directors, and I can agree with that, but I also know that a Board can get too deep into the forest and because the Board is aligned with the Management team to bring about success of the company, they can miss tell-tale signs and not even know that they are failing a test.  It would be wise to consider what tests are being made in your business or organization and then be sure that the answers are being reviewed and learned from so mistakes are not made.

Patti told me about a Facebook posting she read from one of her friends.  It went something like this, "If you are being tested and it seems like God is being silent, think back to your days in school.  During tests did the teacher talk, give the answers, or sit there silent until you were done?"  It is a great lesson.  God tests our heart to see if we are all-in.  He tells us He will never give us more than we can handle, but let's remember that whatever the testing, we can be brought closer to God if we allow the results to do so. Undoubtedly you will face a test this week, or even today.  How you respond is also an important part of the answer.

Reference: Proverbs 17:3 (New Living Translation)