As the semester is coming to an (abrupt) end, the dreaded week we all know too well is nearing. Let us give a warm welcome to finals week. It’s that special time when the library is a madhouse, the line for coffee is out the door and teary eyed students are about ready to rock back and forth in fetal position. Okay, maybe that’s a little bit of an exaggeration but yes, we’re sleep-deprived and stressing about our procrastinated projects and dropping GPAs. In this time of anxiety and unpreparedness, we tend to forget what should truly be the utmost priority in our daily routines: setting aside time for Jesus. I don’t believe we turn away or ignore Him intentionally. Our minds are simply just racing with other, seemingly pressing tasks. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that the difficult times such as finals week are when we should be turning to Him the most. Here are a few verses of encouragement that serve as reminders for myself and others when facing final exams.
"Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Matthew 6:33-34
Exams are important. Education is important. However, don’t forget what should hold priority over everything. After reading this passage, we’re reminded that God gives to those who seek his Kingdom. No amount of human strength or effort can even compare to what our God is capable of. Instead of trying to manage trials on your own, pursue Him. He won’t disappoint, I promise.
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:6
“All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:16
Even though it’s easier said than done, we should never be afraid of our exams for God is in complete control over the results. He knows what’s in our minds and on our hearts. Each and every minute of your life has already been written out for you. Isn’t that incredible to think about? The plan is His, we are living it out in His glory.
“I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:9-10
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
In spite of our weaknesses, God deliberately chose us to encounter even the most difficult tasks. His promises reign to be so true when we are carrying a heavy cross because He provides us with the most perfectly adequate strength when we lift our prayers to Him in times of suffering.
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
Lastly, these verses remind us how temporary our life is on Earth. With worldly eyes, we should not evaluate our circumstances because before we know it, we’ll be spending an eternity with our Heavenly Father. Just let that sink in. Each exam you take and each trial you face are simply preparations for the purposes God has for you in the future. When it’s over, God will one day show us just why our struggle was worth it. Lean on Him this week and walk into your exams in confidence, knowing that your confidence is in the Lord. No matter the outcome, we are BLESSED.
