| Will You Graduate? Jan. 12, 2005 |
*All Scripture is quoted from the New King James Version Analogy: Remember the feeling of having to take final exams? What is the point? No one uses this stuff, anyway. That is what most of us probably thought. The purpose of a final exam is to test how much we absorb throughout the duration of a class. If we do well on our homework and tests in a majority of our classes during the school year, then we will graduate to the next grade. If we don’t pass, then we will have to take extra test, also known as make-up test, or do extra credit. This process resembles the Christian walk. Each day, we are in class. A lot of times, we are given homework, such as reading scripture, praying, and participating at church. We are also given pop quizzes like having to deal with annoying coworkers, our car won’t start, having opportunities to help others, or not having enough money to meet a need. In addition, we have tests to take. A test could be when God allows the devil to tempt us in an area we are struggling with. When an opportunity arises to complain about our jobs, or to exaggerate to make ourselves look better than our peers, is an example of what could be considered a test. Then we have final exams. These are a huge percentage of our grade. If we fail these, we sometimes have to repeat the course. Final exams could consist of losing a job or loved one, being betrayed, being denied for a loan, or some sort of tragedy. God uses all of these methods to teach and strengthen us. Depending of what “grade” we are in, the tougher the tests become. However, He has equipped us with everything that we need to succeed. But, we still have to do the homework. We can’t expect to pass the final-let alone, graduate-if we do not consistently complete our homework. So Read! Pray! Participate at church! And remember that after the test is a testimony, whether you pass or fail. So be encouraged! I’ll tell you a secret: It’s an open-book test! James 1:13-14 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Heb 2:18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. Prov 15:28 The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. Matt. 9:13 But go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. Matt 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Jn 14:16 And I will pray the Father will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever. I hope you enjoyed reading the word of God in a new light. Have a Happy Wednesday! God Bless, Min. Tommy & Sis. Shatika Gray |