The Exam

"Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe Your commandments."

Psalm 119:66

My Mama sat in a straight chair for the third time. She was supportive like that. You see, my two sisters and I all went to Cosmetology School, and upon gaining the hours it required we then went onto Montgomery to take the state board exams to complete our mission of receiving our cosmetologist license.

It was a test above all tests for me (I was never one to do well on any). When I arrived (a long with many other exam candidates) we had to set up our station with clean instruments and all other necessary items required, laying them out on a table for the board examiner to inspect. Mama sat in the chair ready to be my test model.

I performed a mock color, a hair straightening process, a permanent and a board certified haircut. As I worked, board members filtered throughout each of us exam candidates asking random questions and step by step procedure details on all the many processes, from hair to the scalp to the bone structure of the human skull. After finishing the two and a half hour practical test we packed away our supplies and moved on to the one hour written exam.

As I walked away from the building that day (with Mama and her 'new' haircut in tow) I had a huge sense of relief. I had been raked through the coals of my knowledge and recollection of all I had learned over the year I had spent in class everyday. I felt confident in my performance, but I couldn't help but question myself over the following three weeks until I finally received my board certification license in the mail.

These things are for sure; I had to take the steps to sign up for this course. I had to show up for class everyday. I had to study and research and ask questions to learn and grow in this field for me to be able to pass the test at the end, to then move on with a successful start to my career.

As we grow in our relationship with God it is very likely He will test you. We must be ready to follow through with His examination of our heart. I believe we should hold His commands close to our heart, meditating on His Word. Open your Bible and read everyday; Proverbs being a good place to start and return to often, all the while making notes of scripture that speak to you.

We must be prepared for new challenges and opportunities that are bigger than our ability and beyond our training. The Lord wants us to be willing and ready when He calls us even though it might be nerve racking and hard at times. Hold fast and trust in God; He has already prepared the way.

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Pet. 1:6-7)

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, May the testing of my faith find me to be the faithful and obedient servant I long to be. Mold me and make me into Thine image. In Jesus' name. Amen.