Taking Tests

Yesterday as I drove home from SUM Bible College, I thought about the class of 17 freshmen I had just taught—all full of fresh (is that why they’re called freshmen?) unabashed hope and confidence. I couldn’t help wondering "will they all make it to graduation?" And I'll bet they are wondering too!

Everyone begins any new venture with great confidence. But then it is tested. When commencing any new thing, it is normal to begin with some degree of uncertainty: “did I really hear the Lord?” “Do I have what it takes?” That is where our test of faith begins.

We soon learn that natural enthusiasm will not sustain us; only a confidence that is founded in faith that Jesus will take us to the finish line: “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished” (Phil. 1:6 NLT).

We are told in Hebrews that all the Israelites were delivered from Egypt, all hoping to enter their Canaan. But many dropped out—losing confidence when the testing of their faith began. For this reason, the writer warns: “Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that He has promised” (Hebrews 10:36 NLT). To my students who are reading this, may I say, tests are a normal part of the educational process. (Otherwise, how will you know what you have learned!?) But it isn’t school exams that should be your greatest concern. It is the testing of your faith that counts the most. But don't worry.  God won’t fail you. You never really fail God’s tests; you just keep taking them until you pass!