As students prepare for or begin another school year, they have received grades for exams taken earlier in the year. The anticipation and eventual revelation of grades often bring anxiety, followed by a mix of emotions ranging from relief and elation to disappointment or regret. I can vividly recall my own anxious moments, followed by incredible joy and, in some cases, tears of sorrow. Test results matter to most because we all have to take them, and they influence the decisions we make and the steps we take.
I have met people who are good at taking tests, and many who hate them. But I haven’t met anyone who enjoys tests. But tests are necessary to evaluate what we know and understand so we can determine whether we are ready for the next level.
In this life, we will all face tests. They could show up in many different ways, such as a job loss, financial hardship, a broken relationship, a health crisis, or the death of a loved one. Most times, they come without warning, when we least expect them. And if they were optional, we wouldn’t sign up for them; if they were mandatory, we’d certainly delay them.
However, as uncomfortable and painful as they are, they stretch us and help us evaluate where we are emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. How well we handle our tests will help us understand which areas we need to improve and prepare us for greater responsibilities, opportunities, and privileges.
David, a great king of Israel, was at the center of many successful battles, most famously his victory over the giant Goliath. But his preparation for these triumphs began long before, as a lowly shepherd, when no one was looking. He learned lessons in leadership, patience, responsibility, and courage.
He faced tests when a lion and a bear attacked his sheep on separate occasions. In both instances, he defended his sheep and killed both predators. These experiences strengthened his faith to the point that he knew God would empower him for the giant. And ultimately, when he passed his tests with flying colors, it proved that he was ready for bigger battles, greater responsibilities, and associated privileges. But none of these would be possible without tackling the tests that came his way.
Tests are not necessarily fun. But they are necessary for growth, to evaluate where we are, and to prepare us for the next level. Inevitably, they will show up. So, when they do, don’t run from your tests!