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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Exam (09/12/13)
So much of our Christian life is like school when it comes to learning great lessons and being tested. In school, exams are given to see if we retain the knowledge that hopefully makes us a wiser and better person. Exams are usually given only once after the lessons are taught, with very few exceptions. In the Christian life, we often go through the “school of hard knocks,” but with God, we are allowed to retake our exams until we learn the lessons. His grace, love and mercy allow us to do whatever it takes to get it right.

Thankfully, God is our perfect authority and makes NO mistakes. He is ever-patient and never gives up on us. We can never fail as long as we keep trying whole-heartedly. I am always amazed to read how the Israelites experienced all that they did first-handed, but yet, didn’t learn their lessons. They had to continue retaking the same exams over and over. Even after major miracles, when things went wrong, the first thing they did was complain and blame God. Most of the time, they wanted to give up and return to Egypt. Egypt represented their “old life of slavery” however, they referred to it as having "daily provisions" to eat; it was their “comfort zone”. I guess they would have rather trusted in their masters who often mistreated them, rather than trust God to rain down mana and quail in the dessert? Did they think their earthly masters would supply a “sure thing” for them? Why in the world would they NOT trust God after all of the miracles they had repeatedly seen Him perform?

The Israelites experienced the parting of the Red Sea and were able to walk through on dry ground. They heard God in the thunder so powerfully that they were terrified. Daily mana rained down from heaven and God saw that just the right amount was given. Water came from a rock. God also sent quail from heaven when they complained that they didn’t have meat. These folks had learned so many lessons of how God provides but they surely didn’t pass the exam when it came time to really trust Him.

Pondering these stories one day, I had to admit that I am no different than the Israelites. I thought of how many lessons I too had learned at the “Red Sea shore”. So many times have I vicariously stood on the seashore and observed the angry waves. When I look back and see the dust of the enemy army, I so often start trying to figure things out myself. I usually jump in the water because I think I have to act quickly. God is so loving and kind that He allows me to swim. Whenever He sees that I am so tired and worn out, He graciously reaches down, gives me His loving hand and asks me to stand still.

A good friend told me years ago that my life verses might be Proverbs 3:5-6 but I had a “6-b”. When she explained what she meant, it really made me stop and think. “In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6. My version of “6-b” however, read; “…But Lord, just in case you need my help.” I know each personality is different and we have tendencies that seem to match our personalities. My work background has been in dentistry, dental surgery and real estate sales. In each of those fields, you have to think very quickly. Was that just my personality or was it that I often didn’t listen to what God was trying to say?

Just as the Israelites didn’t understand, I was no different. How many miracles have I seen? Quite honestly, each day is a miracle. As a believer, each day, Jesus leads me with His Holy Spirit, every step of the way. If God is guiding me, showing me in His Word what to do and how to live, WHY in the world would I even begin to think that HE needed my help? Obviously, I didn’t get it either. I thank God for His patience as I have tried to apply His lessons through the years. Hopefully I will not have to retake the same exam again. As I trust God to help me daily, I know He will help me do whatever it takes to pass His exam and to get it right.
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This article has been read 816 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Bonnie Rose Hudson
09/20/13
That was great, thank you for sharing! I know what you mean about learning the same thing over and over and OVER again! Praise God for His patience and that ultimately, it's His "score" on the exam that counts, not ours.
Yvonne Blake 
09/24/13
Great devotional! I especially liked your next to the last paragraph. Very thought provoking!
Dannie Hawley 
09/26/13
Excellent! Definitely something to think about,and so many of us can relate.

If you're having trouble with word count, you might want to re-read your article and put in contractions wherever possible. That will free up space for a few more words sometimes, plus it's more the way of conversational voice, if that's what you're looking for, of course.

Enjoy the break and see you back in October!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
10/03/13
Wow! This is a powerful message. I have tears in my eyes. While reading I was thinking how I could understand the Israelites; I've gotten mad at God a few times. Then when I read your jump in the water part, I laughed out loud.

I did stumble a bit over the Part B part. It took me a few reads to get it. When I did, I thought it was brilliant. I might encourage you to have someone read it out loud and if they stumble, then you may want to rework it.

All in all I think you did a great job. I could totally relate to your message. Congratulations for placing 7th in your level! (The highest rankings can be found on the message boards.)