Have you ever made a commitment to yourself and broken it? I have as well. A test would come, and I’d feel I could handle it. So, I neglected to take the proper precaution or exercise enough grit. Or life happened and instead of finding a way to keep the commitment I retreated or blamed the challenge as an excuse for not following through. That was not really a commitment.

Then I began to realize that the challenges which emerge were knocking to verify my declaration by saying, “Just checking.” Just like when a parent or superior would give a task believing you can accomplish it. Yet, they would still stop by and ask how you are coming along or inquire to see if you think you can handle the assignment. You respond with an affirming, “Yes, I will get it done!” Then their response would be some version of, “Yeah I know you got it but, I was just checking.”

No matter what the resolve of our commitments there will be tests that seem overwhelming. But they are just checking. Pass them and we feel like conquering warriors! In fact, it reinforces commitment.

Tests can be tiredness at the end of the day after deciding to read before bed. Or still flashing a smile when encountering difficulty at work or business. Or to not worry when things aren’t going according to plan. Or to still get up 30 minutes earlier to exercise even if you went to bed later than usual. Or still spending that quality time with your children or spouse even though your day at work wasn’t as productive as you expected. Check your resolve so your resolve wouldn’t have to check you. We must believe that during the tests, God is working things out for our good.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?

(NASB, Psalm 27:1)