Open Book Test

I recently heard a TV Evangelist (Jentezen Franklin) speaking. (He’s one of my favorites!) He was talking about how silent God can be during tests. Isn’t that truth? It always seems like when we’re going through the toughest tests, we hear the least from Him? But Jentezen then said something that resonated in my spirit. In school, teachers don’t speak during tests. In the same way, God is also silent during the tests.

Good teachers teach the lesson. It’s up to the student to learn it. God is the ultimate Teacher. He’s informed us, taught us, and equipped us during the lesson. As the student, we must listen. We can’t be speaking while God is teaching. Like our school teachers, He’s also silent during the tests. However, the great thing about God’s tests is that they’re all open-book! He knew there would be lessons we didn’t learn from his classroom lectures. He knew some of us (including me) would be talking during the lesson, thinking we already had all the answers, believing we knew the lesson better than the Teacher. So He gave us His lesson plan and answers in His Word. He allows us to use the school book throughout the tests. It’s just like God to provide us a cheat-sheet.

Teachers don’t speak during the test. I will never hear God’s silence the same again.

Lord, I pray that when I’m going through times of testing, I remember you have already provided me the answers. Open my ears and my mind to receive the lessons you teach. I thank You for the times of silence, God. Because in them, I know that you’ve already taught me all I need to know. You are so wonderful, God. When I need remedial training, and feel like I’m failing the test You’re giving, You’ve provided me Your Word. I can always look up the answers. May I always remain “teachable” and learn Your lessons the first time. Amen