Wednesday, January 14, 2015

"In my weakness His strength is perfect"

It's that time of the year again. FINALS. January and June are the months I dread the most because they are the examination months. I can't stand exams, they are stressful and  make me scared but at the same time they always bring me closer to God.

A few weeks before the Christmas break, I went to Pangea and meet up with a friend. We talked about everything in the little time that we had to catch up, and exams was definitely one of  the topics. I remember telling her how agitated and anxious I was to write them. Her view about exams,on the other hand, was completely different from my own and it encouraged me. She said she LOVED exams (emphasis added) because these were one of the  moments when God's power could actually be visible. I knew this too but it never made me look forward to them. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I always know God will come through and maybe that is the problem; that powerful truth and others are SOMEWHERE IN THE BACK OF MY MIND.

Luckily, as exams drew closer, these truths begin to resurface and I truly thank God for that because without them I would surely not make it through this period as a sane person.

So what are these truths or what things do I do that keep me sane?
  • God is faithful and His plans are sovereign, whether or not I pass, I know He is in control. Of course, I would rather pass and have a free summer but if it doesn't work out, it's all good.
  • I can't do anything on my own, with my own strength (Zech.4:6;John 5:5; Jeremiah 17:5). I need to rely on God who is able to do more than I can ever imagine.
  • His strength is perfect in my weakness and His grace is sufficient (2Cor.12:9).
  • Before and after I study I pray, "Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed" (Prov.16:3)
  • When I am tired, I go to bed because "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-- for he grants sleep to those he loves" (Psalm 127:2).
  • I try not to post-pone things that I can do that day because tomorrow is promised to no one (Proverbs 27:1)
  • Last but not least, I share my problems with family and friends. I tell them my fears and ask for prayer. They encourage me. Just as I am encouraged by others, I also pray and encourage them (Gal.6:2).
Every examination period, God's power is visible. His word keeps me sane and He provides people to encourage and cheer me on. Every examination period, God draws me closer to Him.

I hope you can apply these and other truths to your life too :)