pop quiz

“Alright, put away your books and get out your #2 pencils.” These words have caused many a student to break out in hives. I was not one of those students. Always a good test taker, I was the kid who’d finish his test first, return to his seat and read a magazine. You know the one- many of you glared at this kid, inwardly envious of his quick test taking ability. Some of my friends fell into the other category. After class they would ask how I took the test so quickly while they struggled to finish on time.
Life tests have not been quite as easy. The teacher has seemed to test me on areas that I’m weakest in, and always in the form of a pop quiz! How could I prepare for showing love to the man in the car who ran a red light, almost hitting me? What about the co-worker who stole my customers? And the friend who betrayed me? Needless to say, many times I had reacted in anger- yelling at the man who nearly hit me, despising the co-worker who disrespected me, berating the friend who betrayed me.
Over the years, I’ve discovered a few things about life tests which have helped considerably. First, the key is not what you know but whom. When a pop quiz appears, I head to my knees. Choosing to nestle up to God during a pop quiz has saved me from guilt, inner turmoil, and strained relationships.
Also, trusting the teacher is mandatory. If God has brought a test my way, He must know I can pass it. Transferring that information from my head to my heart is perhaps the toughest part of the test. But that’s what the teacher ultimately wants me to learn. Once trust is deeply embedded in my heart, any storm can come my way and I know I’ll stand.
Friend, getting as close to God and truly trusting Him will allow you to pass any test that comes your way with flying colors. Then you and I can be like the house whose foundation can withstand any storm, any trial, any test.

-Pastor Doug Misch

Pop Quiz!

“Alright, put away your books and get out your #2 pencils.” These words have caused many a student to break out in hives. I was not one of those students. Always a good test taker, I was the kid who’d finish his test first, return to his seat and read a magazine. You know the one- many of you glared at this kid, inwardly envious of his quick test taking ability. Some of my friends fell into the other category. After class they would ask how I took the test so quickly while they struggled to finish on time.
Life tests have not been quite as easy. The teacher has seemed to test me on areas that I’m weakest in, and always in the form of a pop quiz! How could I prepare for showing love to the man in the car who ran a red light, almost hitting me? What about the co-worker who stole my customers? And the friend who betrayed me? Needless to say, many times I had reacted in anger- yelling at the man who nearly hit me, despising the co-worker who disrespected me, berating the friend who betrayed me.
Over the years, I’ve discovered a few things about life tests which have helped considerably. First, the key is not what you know but whom. When a pop quiz appears, I head to my knees. Choosing to nestle up to God during a pop quiz has saved me from guilt, inner turmoil, and strained relationships.
Also, trusting the teacher is mandatory. If God has brought a test my way, He must know I can pass it. Transferring that information from my head to my heart is perhaps the toughest part of the test. But that’s what the teacher ultimately wants me to learn. Once trust is deeply embedded in my heart, any storm can come my way and I know I’ll stand.
Friend, getting as close to God and truly trusting Him will allow you to pass any test that comes your way with flying colors. Then you and I can be like the house whose foundation can withstand any storm, any trial, any test.

-Doug Misch