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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Exam (09/12/13)
    But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:10 NAS)
The jittery feeling moments before an exam is always disconcerting. I remember many things would run through my mind that would leave me in self-doubt pondering whether I had done enough to pass the test when I was an undergraduate.

Not all of us are likely to enjoy taking an exam, yet without it we seldom can prove we have learned the lessons taught to us. When an employer or a hirer wishes to engage a person for a job or task, the first things he or she looks for are usually tangible proofs of achievement such as our accolades, career portfolio or educational transcripts.

Like me and everyone else who had sat for an exam, Abraham was probably also feeling unease when put to the test while sojourning in Egypt and Gerar to say Sarah, his wife, was his sister (Genesis 12:10-20; 20:1-14). Abraham did not do well for the two tests, yet God did not turn away from him but showed him mercy. Years later, when he was again tested, Abraham did well in willingly offering up his only son Isaac and to trust God completely (Genesis 22:1-19; Hebrews 11:17-19). For his faith, it was accorded to Abraham as righteousness and he was called the friend of God (James 2:23).

Are we facing a difficult situation or going through a trial or test right now? Are we feeling jittery or unease because we are unsure whether we have enough faith to make it through to tomorrow or the days ahead? Perhaps we do not have the accolades, portfolio or transcripts to prove our accomplishments or perhaps we have failed badly in our tests. Are we in doubt of ourselves and our abilities? Are we in doubt of God’s care for us?

If we are walking with God, we need not doubt. Just as God did not abandon Abraham in his failures, He will not abandon us if we walk in Him. He knows the way we take and when He has tried us, we shall come forth as gold (Job 23:10). For though gold is refined by fire, it is the proof of our faith that is more precious, that we might result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:7).

Let us therefore test ourselves to see that we are in the faith and recognize that Jesus Christ is in us (2 Corinthians 13:5). Though we may suffer grief and trials for a little time, we need not be afraid (1 Peter 1:6; Exodus 20:20). For blessed are we who persevere under trial because having stood the test we will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12).

Dear Lord, forgive us for sometimes falling into self-doubt. We know Lord there is no need for us to doubt because You will not abandon us even when we fail badly in our tests. Help us Lord to hold fast to our faith, especially in our moments of weakness and during times of our testing and trials. Refine us as You will O Lord that we might reveal more of You and come forth as gold in praise, glory and honor to Your name.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
09/23/13
During the break in the Weekly Challenge schedule, I’d like to invite you to the FaithWriters forums, where I’m holding a weekly free “class” in various writing strategies. Participation is strictly voluntary, but I give free and timely feedback on all contributions. I’d love to have you drop by! http://www.faithwriters.com/Boards/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=67
Brenda Rice
09/23/13
A very good devotion with good scripture back-up.

Topic covered well, also.

Thanks for sharing.
Joanne Sher 
09/24/13
Enjoyed this so much - great reminder, great scripture, all of it.
C D Swanson 
09/26/13
Congratulations! God bless~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
10/03/13
I know I say this each week, yet still you never cease to amaze me. Your words are almost always just what I need to hear. There is no doubt that the Holy Spirit is working in you and I appreciate your obedience. The only thing that made me cringe a tiny bit is when you quoted 2 Cor, 13:5, you left off the second half of the verse. Normally I may not notice, but I have been debating about that all this week. Is it okay? Here, since we can click on the blue and see the verse, I do think it is okay, but I also think it is something we need to be vigilant about by at least using an ellipsis to show there is more to the verse. But, like my son, who is studying Divinity at Duke, reminded me that the original text didn't have verses or punctuation or anything like that. I know you would never intentionally mislead someone, but others have so it's something to think on. I know it's a tiny thing, but just wanted to share my thoughts. You are such a loyal devotion writer here at FW and I can't tell you enough how often God uses your words to touch my heart. It means so much to me. Thank you. Congratulations for placing 4 in your level and 17 overall! (The highest rankings can be found on the message boards)