Studying for the Test

When a teacher puts a test before her students, it is generally to find out how well the lessons taught were learned. Information has been transmitted, homework assigned, reviews completed and finally a test is administered. All so the student can demonstrate that they have paid attention, internalized the information, and can use it.

Trials in life are like this. God allows test to come so we can demonstrate the lessons learned. We are given a chance to apply our "knowledge" by putting it into "action."

Generally, a teacher only administers the test once she believes the student should have learned the materials. In this way, the student can demonstrate their mastery of the concepts. When administering tests, most teacher have a fairly high degree of confidence in her students' ability to pass the test.

Sometimes however, the test is given to remind the students how much they have missed. show deficiencies in understanding and gaps in learning.

Is this how God works? Are our life tests ways for us to demonstrate how well we have learned the lessons? If so, is it a demonstration of God's confidence in us? Are our test results used to identify areas we need remediation?

I have come to believe this may just be - in part- true. We experience trials in life so we can apply the lessons we should have learned. How we do on these tests let us (and God) know where we are lacking.

If we are tested because God is confident that we have learned the lessons, how cool is that? If however, we are tested because the Teacher ants to remind us how little we know, how cool is that too? Both show an intense personal interest in our individual learning. What a blessing.

Either way. Whatever reason we are tested, the tests are always "Open-Book." We are encouraged to use our friends. Our Teacher will even provide the answer if we simply ask. Any failure of such a test is truly OUR failure. It is not a failure on the part of the teacher.

Failure in life tests can only be a result of our failure to utilize the resources made available to us. God has provided the answers. We just have to do our part and study.

How we handle the trials of life can be a wonderful tool for boosting God's kingdom. If we use the tools we have and rely on the lessons we have learned, other may also learn the answers. In this way, out trials can serve a purpose in serving others. See Ephesians 3:13. Conversely, if we fail to utilize the resources, we not only fail our own test, we may cause others to have difficulty in their own trials.

So I suggest we study before the test. When the test is in front of us, we need to ask for the answers. We need to use the answers we have already learned. We need to apply the knowledge and pass it to our friends so that they will have an easier time with their tests. point them to the Book. Lead them to the Teacher. Most of all... Study.

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that
need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth."
--2 Tim. 2:15.