Finals week has arrived. With finals week comes a lot of pressure - pressure to succeed. Some of us are going to be really pleased with the results of our performance this week, and others and going to be a bit upset. Last year, I was so caught up in the "what ifs" during finals.
"What if I don't do well on this exam?"
"What if I have a B in this class?"
"What if I'm not going to be a doctor?"
"What if I'm not on the track I'm supposed to be?"
What if, what if, what if....
I realized that kind of thinking is toxic for me. Instead of building myself up for finals, I was allowing my head to be filled with negativity. Whatever questions you are asking yourself, or doubts you are having, take heart in knowing that no matter what happens, life goes on after finals week. In the long run, everything is going to be okay - all you can do is your best this week. My favorite thing to tell myself is "But if not, all will be well, for He is good."
It comes from the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3. These three refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzer, who reigned over Babylon at the time.
The King was furious that they did not worship his gods or idols, so he had them summoned before him, and he told them that they were going to be thrown into a fire. In verses 17-18 they told the king, "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known, O king, that we will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up."
This is such a cool reminder to me, that God is constantly in control. God did save Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the flames, but the point is that even if He had not, they still had so much faith in the Lord. "But if not, we will not serve your gods." What a statement.
So maybe you are like me, and praying for an A in a certain class. I really hope it happens for us both, but if not, it is all going to be okay. Or maybe you are facing trials going into the holidays, and you are wishing for them to be resolved. It will be wonderful if things do get smoothed over, but if not, take comfort that you have a Savior who loves you more than you could ever imagine. It gets so easy to lose focus on what is really important - I do it all the time - but He is greater than all of our worldly trials and tribulations.
With that being said, take care of yourself this week. Actually sleep a bit, treat yourself to a bubble bath, go for a walk, let your mind have little breaks, and replace the coffee with some water every now and then. We are going to make it through finals week, and no matter what happens, He is greater than it all.
xo
