I am a little ashamed to confess that, during finals week, I spend less time with God. I get so wrapped up in the everyday curve balls of life that my full intention on spending time with God is thrown out the window. I do not do this on purpose; it just happens when I lose my focus. I believe that I speak on behalf of every student when I say that finals are very stressful. Every professor is trying to throw these "last-minute" assignments at you, and everything seems to be coming undone. You would give anything to have stress replaced with happiness, comfort and peace. There are five Bible verses that remind me that God has a plan, and He is in control.
1. "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and He will act." (Psalm 37:5)
This bible verse is very soothing for the soul. If we would just stop worrying about these exams and trust God, we would be on the road to success. God's plan is always better than what we could ever plan for ourselves. I fall short every day of remembering this, but when I do remind myself of this, the joy that I feel is beyond amazing.
2. "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you." (Romans 16:20)
Where do I even begin with this Bible verse? This is one we should not only remember during finals week but also every day of our lives when we are down and out. All of the stress, worry and doubt are not from God; it is from Satan. Satan wants us to feel that way. Satan wants us to turn from God, but God is much bigger and more powerful than Satan. When we give our burdens to God, He will give us peace.
3. "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3)
Trust in Him and His plan. When we seek God in everything that we do, everything will fall into place. Have faith in everything that you do. He knows us better than anyone walking the face of this earth. The Will of God will not take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.
4. "May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance." (2 Thessalonians 3:5)
We all forget that God has already laid out the foundation for our lives; everything is going to fall into place the way He has already planned. If we fail an exam or maybe even a class, we are still God's children. He does not love us less because we failed. You do not face exams alone; God is on your side. He is fighting for you.
5. "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57)
When you pass that exam that you have been stressing about for weeks, thank God. Even if you failed, thank Him for the next time you make an A. Thank Him for everything He has blessed you with in your life. He is good. His Will for our life will be done. A test score does not define you. You are better than that score.
Praise the Lord, from whom all blessings flow!
