Joe and Jessa, I have never been a great test taker. I would study and study but inevitably I wasn't able to make sense of the questions in order to match it up to what I knew. The most memorable experience I had was in college when I took a literature class. The professor asked us to bring an essay Blue Book to class. He then asked three questions. Instantly knew I was in trouble.
Everyone else opened up their booklet and started writing. I, on the other hand, just sat there in disbelief. How was it possible for me to know absolutely nothing about the the questions he asked. I was mortified. It was all I could do to muster up a few sentences for each topic. My D grade was humiliating. I waited until after class to speak with my professor.
I explained that I wanted to do well in his class and I had actually studied. Contrary to my D performance. I really did try. I told him that I had learned a lot in his class but unfortunately he didn't ask questions that permitted me to demonstrate. After I got done blubbering he responded by telling me to write everything I did know if I didn't know how to answer the questions.
So that is what I did. I would write about the material he taught me and he would give me credit. Even though my knowledge was unrelated to the essay questions it was still valuable material he taught me. Today I often find myself standing before the Lord not knowing how to answer the questions life is throwing at me. It seems like no matter how much I study I am still at a loss. This is when God smiles at me and simple reminds me to focus on everything I do know.
How can I comfort my grieving friend? How do we make ends meet financially? How do I stop someone from hurting themselves? The questions that I have are beyond my capacity to solve. BUT God is the ultimate answer. So today as you both are taking your finals I will be too! Just like in college, I am not able to answer the direct questions. Instead I will fill my virtual Blue Book with what God has most importantly taught me about Himself.
Ephesians 3:14-19
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Faith First: Seekers of Your Heart