I saw a sign with the words: “My life is like a test that I didn’t study for.” I couldn’t help but agree. There are moments in life that feel exactly like those unexpected exams for which I feel completely unprepared. Plans fall apart, job security vanishes, anxiety creeps in, a doctor’s report shakes our world, or the loss of a loved one leaves us breathless. We’ve all been there—facing circumstances that leave us thinking, “I wasn’t prepared for this.”
I DIDN’T STUDY FOR THIS
How many times have you found yourself saying, “Why me? God, I’m facing so many tests and trials. I didn’t study for this.” I know I’ve asked that many times. Yet it’s often in these very moments that God does His most important work in us. Our tests and trials reveal what we truly believe.
REFINED BY FIRE
When life is smooth, trusting God feels easy. When life becomes difficult, our faith needs to grow stronger as we lean on our Savior. As reminds us, “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:7) Like gold refined by fire, our faith becomes purer and more resilient through life’s refining process. The test can bring praise to Jesus Christ.
PURPOSE OF TESTING
Each test serves a purpose. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.James understood that God’s tribulations are not to break us, but to develop and encourage us. “Pure joy” is akin to the feeling of passing a test and finding you received the highest mark in the class. We study, obey and pass, discovering the Holy Spirit truly is working in our lives.
LESSONS WE LEARN
Life rarely goes according to our design. God’s curriculum standards are different. We learn valuable lessons: patience through waiting, meekness through disappointment, resilience through sorrow; and faith in every battle of uncertainty. The “pop quizzes” in life teach us who we are and Who Jesus really is: our Teacher, our Father, and our Savior.
ULTIMATE OPEN BOOK EXAM
Ever have an open book exam? God’s test is the ultimate open book exam. The Bible is our study guide and our Cliff Notes! When your life feels like a test you didn’t study for, open His word. It contains the answers to all the questions of life. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5) Scripture gives us the answers to our test questions.
OUR TEACHER
The Holy Spirit is our Teacher. He holds every answer to life’s test questions; all we need to do is ask. Remember, God isn’t grading you on a curve or holding you to a perfection standard. He’s growing your perseverance through life’s tests. When you feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or weary, remember that you are already equipped with God’s Word and His promises.
Your Teacher doesn’t keep office hours—He’s available 24/7. Go to Him, and He will prepare you for life’s pop quizzes. Through every trial, as you place each test in His hands, the roots of your faith will grow deeper. Your life won’t be like the test you didn’t study for.