With finals week upon us, I challenge each of you to spend time with Jesus this week amid the chaos. I understand how hard it is to carve out time when we feel so overwhelmed, but times like these are when we should turn to Him the most. I encourage you to take a study break and spend some time meditating on these verses. I hope you find the same strength and encouragement in these verses, as I have.
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1. Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men. (Colossians 3:23)
The Lord calls us to do all things with enthusiasm and dedication, including our school assignments and studies. As long as we strive to do our best while keeping our eyes on Him, He will surely see us through.
2. "But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
How amazing is this truth? His power is made perfect in our weakness. The fact that we become so weak when faced with the stress of school and finals, allows God to sweep in and demonstrate His perfection.Our need for Him at all times completes His perfection.
3. "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
No matter how stressed out we may get during finals week, or during any other trial in this life, we can rest in the truth that He has made a way for us. He has a perfectly crafted plan for each of us.
4. "I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)
When we put our faith in His word and plan, we can rest, knowing that He will see us through to the other side of any circumstance.
5. "Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
He has commanded us to be strong and courageous. To not worry about the things of this world, like tests and papers, but to instead put our faith in Him. By giving our worries and anxieties over to Him, we are demonstrating our faith in knowing that He is with us wherever we go.
6. Therefore, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)
He will not tempt us with more than we are capable of handling. He is always faithful, and He will provide a way for us to escape the troubles and stresses of this world.
7. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected." (Proverbs 18:10)
No matter how overwhelmed we may get, we can run into the arms of our Father, a strong tower when we are weak.
8. "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world." (John 16:33)
Jesus walked on this earth, and He knows the suffering and hardships we endure. Isn't that a crazy thought? That the only person to walk this Earth in sinless glory understands exactly what we're going through. He commands us to be courageous and know that He has already conquered the world and all of its trials. He already knows the outcome of this finals week, rest in that truth!
Praise the Lord, from whom all blessings flow!
