Is There Going To Be A Test?

School started today. (I am still not posting live- I will be back tomorrow!- I knew that I was going to have a crazy first day- methods, workshops, methods, work- and methods and workshops all day tomorrow, but I will be back! I promise!) 

With school starting, you can count on something. Tests.

I really do not like tests. If you want to assess me, let me demonstrate my knowledge with real life applications and experiences- not some fill-in-the-blank-bubble exam.

Have you ever considered that life is a series of exams?

I heard a story about a class that showed up to take an exam at their university. It was going to be a tough one, they knew.

When they came to the room, they saw on the board: Due to a conflict, your professor is unable to give you your test in this classroom. He is waiting in the gymnasium.

An audible sigh echoed throughout the room when the students realized this meant they had to walk all the way across campus.

The class had to pass the hospital on the way to take the exam. They saw a man stumbling around in front of the building. Most knew this man, he was blind, and his wife had just given birth to a baby in the hospital.

Nonetheless, the class hurried along and passed the bookstore. A woman with a crying baby came out, looking exhausted, and she tripped and dropped all of her books. She struggled to pick them up as the baby screamed and screamed.

Soon, they came upon a fire hydrant where a dog was tied up. It was hot and the owner must have set the dish too far, because the dog looked dehydrated and his nose could not reach the bowl set out for him. Many felt sorry for the dog, but not wanting to be late for the exam, they hurried along.

When they arrived at the gym, a car pulled up, and the maintenance man came out. He left his lights on and hurried into the building.

They entered, and the professor stood, with his arms cross. The silence became uncomfortable.

He motioned to the door, and in came the blind man, the woman with the baby, the dog and its owner, and the maintenance man.

These people had been planted along the way to test if they had learned the lesson whilst studying the story of the good Samaritan. They all failed.

Is God giving you a test?

Abraham was tested. Jesus was tested by Satan. Scan the Bible and you’ll see tests.

I can think of a few exams I’m taking. Maybe you’re taking them too.

Some of us are in exams. Jesus is giving us the test- the love test.

There is perhaps someone in your life you’re having a hard time loving. Friend? Brother? Parent? Someone who doesn’t think, look, or act like you do?

The love test happens all the time.

Another human comes into our lives, and you say, “God help me speak and act with love and compassion and truth. Here is someone who is difficult for me. Help me tell them about you and what you mean to me and what you have done for me.”

God is looking for people who are willing to love.

The will of God says that we love one another. And that we are able to love because He first loved us. We are empowered to love because He showed us His boundless love.

Maybe some of you are taking the endurance test.

Sometimes we are going through difficulties, and don’t know if we will ever find relief for it. Sometimes God seems silent and indifferent in the situation

Will you keep going even when you don’t know why it’s happening, or if or when you will get relief? Will you keep going with the faith that one day He will set everything right? Will you trust that the Lord is good?

What kind of test are you taking?

While it is good to strive to pass these tests, fear not. Because Jesus stood the test of being mocked, beaten, and crucified, we no longer have to worry about failing God. We take tests, but the grade is there- We are perfect in His eyes because Jesus died and rose again on Easter morning.

Strive to love one another. Strive to endure through the hard times. Find confidence and hope knowing that the victory is won, and your test score is perfect.