Tested and approved (Dan Wells)

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Greet Apelles, tested and approved in Christ. (Romans 16:10)

We finish our little tour through some of the people in Romans chapter 16 with Apelles. We don’t know very much about Apelles. We don’t know who he is and where he’s from. We don’t know how he came to faith or what his job or family are like. What we do know is that he has been ‘tested and approved in Christ.’

That’s a beautiful thing to be able to say of any Christian, that they have been tested and approved in Christ. I wonder if that’s something we regularly pray for ourselves or for others? It certainly could be, and if you are ever at a loss for what to pray for someone, this would be a terrific thing to ask.

We are not told how Apelles has been tested and approved, but we can be fairly certain that it was not an easy or comfortable process. Testing is never pleasant, is it? Just think of the test that you have been through: maybe exams at school or university, medical tests at a hospital, or the test of difficult situations or circumstances. None of those are probably things that you would choose to repeat if you had the option.

Testing is not easy or comfortable, but it can have a good outcome. An exam shows your knowledge and expertise in a subject, a medical test shows improvement or recovery, a trying situation shows your resilience and faith.

Whatever tested Apelles, he came through it trusting in Christ. I have no doubt that his faith was deeper and stronger as a result. We never desire trials, but God can use them to strengthen our faith and help us to see how we are approved in Christ.

What is the test you are going through at the moment? What has it been in the past, and what might it be in the future? God will be with you through it and at work in it, so that you come through approved in Christ and by Christ.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the example of Apelles. Thank you that he went through testing and was approved in Christ. Enable me to endure trials trusting in you, because I also have your approval. Amen.

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