"Then you can ask me and I will help you," I explained. "I love you, Katherynn. I know you can do this or I wouldn't ask you to do it. You've worked hard in kindergarten. A test tells us what you know and what you still need to learn and practice".
Life is full of tests on our character. That prick in your heart is the guiding of the Holy Spirit as He trains you to make right choices. If we learn our lessons, we do well when we are tested.
A cashier gives us a ten dollar bill rather than a one dollar bill. Will we admit the error? We decide against buying the item in our grocery cart. Do we lay it on the nearest shelf or return it to the correct shelf? Do we hit the snooze button or get up? Our day falls apart, do we pray or yell? God says no to a request. Do we doubt His goodness or submit to His plan for us?
One of the most frequent counseling concerns I address is the doubt of God's presence in times of hardship. Why don't I feel God's presence when I'm struggling with my sin? Where is God when I hurt?
Heather was learning volumes in a new Bible study. "I can hardly wait for each new day because I am learning so much about God. Life has never been so exciting!" Her bubbling joy lasted for several months.
"I don't understand," Heather told me one morning. "I don't feel like God is there any more. Is He mad at me for something? I keep praying but He doesn't seem to be helping me. Are my prayers getting through?"
A test matters because it shows how much you know and what you still need to learn and practice. God is faithful. He always hears the voice of His child. He is there, but a teacher is often silent during testing.
During the math test, Katherynn began to sing softly as she worked: "I am special and I can do this. Karen loves me and I can do this. This is hard but then we can have a tea party. Karen loves me and I can do this."
A ribbon that states "Hard Worker Award" hangs in a place of honor to show that Kathernn is ready for first grade math, for lessons that will continue to challenge her to grow.
The student has taught the teacher. I plan to sing more and worry less.
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