It’s exam time for many students. Some have endured sleepless nights and countless hours of reading and practising, in hope of attaining the best grade possible. Sadly, this pursuit in education is many times void of consciously experiencing the power of God in the midst of it all. The truth is, both the seen/natural (brain, food, loved ones, etc.) as well as unseen/spiritual resources (wisdom, understanding, mental/emotional strength, etc.) are from Him. As such, it is certainly practical and necessary to study with Jesus. From Him are all things, and to Him are all things!
Now, let’s hear the perspective of some youths on several questions we asked them regarding the impact of their faith on their educational pursuits.
1. Does God care about what we study?
F. RICHARDS, age 16
Yes, God cares about what we study. In fact, He cares about every aspect of our lives. Many passages in scripture reveal this timeless truth including 1 Peter 5:7, Jeremiah 29:11, and Psalms 139:17-18. He intentionally planned every detail of our lives before time began so He indeed cares about our studies. Every aspect of the plan that God has for our lives is a needful thread in the glorious fabric of our lives that fulfills God’s eternal will.
H. BARRETT, age 19
Yes, He does because He has a purpose and plan for our lives, and what we do and study will impact that.
S. CLARKE, age 20
I believe so, simply because He cares about every intricate detail of our lives and He wants to be involved in it.
R. ALLEN, age 25
I believe God does care, and so He would even put certain passions/desires in our hearts for the things we ought to pursue in our studies. While we might have our different passions and plans for our lives, the Bible says that it is God’s plans that will prevail (Proverbs 19:21). Therefore, concerning the choices we must make in our journey throughout life, God is there to guide us to His will, both in knowing what we should do, as well as doing it with diligence and excellence (which is of great importance to Him, too).
2. Do you involve God in your studies and exam preparation? How so?
F. RICHARDS, age 16
Yes, I do. My study time with Jesus looks like me talking to Him before, during, and after the study session. I usually begin with a prayer of thanks, then I ask Him to bless the session. I also talk to Him about what I’m understanding and what I’m not, then close with a prayer of thanksgiving again. Also, on the day of the examination, my friends and I form a prayer circle to engage Him corporately before we line up to enter the exam room.
H. BARRETT, age 19
I do involve God by praying and asking Him for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. I also listen to gospel music while studying.
S. CLARKE, age 20
I try my best to do this. It shows as I progress throughout the year being honest with the experiences I have with my courses, implementing a plan for each of them. I also pray before a session.
R. ALLEN, age 25
Yes, I do. I pray and worship before attempting assignments. Whenever I have an exam, I always pray before writing on the paper and thank God for good grades. If I know that I didn’t study as I ought to, then I would ask for grace and favour in that moment, of course, after repenting of my delinquency.
3. How have you seen/experienced God’s help as you study?
F. RICHARDS, age 16
Firstly, He has given me peace. In a season of doing CSEC exams, it can be very easy to get overwhelmed and anxious, but there is always a supply of His supernatural peace that I have access to that makes it all okay. Secondly, as I study, I quiz myself. God has given me good memory, enabling me to recall what I’ve studied, even days after I have done it. He also gives me boosts of energy so I can better handle the rigours of the constant late nights and early mornings.
H. BARRETT, age 19
He has helped me by allowing me to remember things that I have studied. He also helped me to be focused while taking an exam so that I am able to properly read and analyse each question to find the correct answer.
S. CLARKE, age 20
By using suitable methods for studying and prayer, He has allowed me to get through the content I need to be familiar with and properly apply them on the exams.
R. ALLEN, age 25
I remember a time I was struggling with an assignment and someone recommended that I should worship, inviting the presence of God when doing the assignment. So, I tried it – worshipping and praying first. Right after, I went on to do the assignment and amazingly, what I struggled with for weeks was accomplished in about four hours.
4. Please share a word of encouragement to other youths who are preparing for/sitting their exams.
F. RICHARDS, age 16
Keep your head up in confidence of the reality that you are on the side of the Victor. God has never lost a battle and He never will. For that reason, as you are fully aligned with Him, you can’t fail either. Therefore, even if the grades/results are not the best, then maybe that “failure” wasn’t actually a failure because the One inside you can never fail but fashions all things together for good. Trust Him and you will discover His good plans even in the disappointments.
Also, I urge you to never leave God or to put Him to the side. Your soul is far too valuable to God and worth much more than good grades and accolades, so don’t make education an idol. Remember, His grace is sufficient and His favour opens doors we cannot open, no matter the number of awards we have.
H. BARRETT, age 19
Philippians 4:13 says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. When a subject or topic seems difficult to understand, just remind yourself of this powerful scripture verse and pray for God to improve your focus, memory, and understanding.
S. CLARKE, age 20
God loves you and your performance on an exam does not define you nor will it ever be able to. Utilize a suitable method that works for you and your body, while taking proper breaks throughout. After studying or after an exam, ensure to give yourself a break so that you can recover.
- ALLEN, age 25
When you can’t remember things or struggle to understand, begin to praise, worship, and just surrender it to God. Remember, wherever things look dead, once God is there, there is always hope and life. So, reach out to Jesus, and no matter what, keep your eyes on Him because there is no success without Him.
Darien and Kimoy Callum are both members of Passion and Purity, a school-based Christian ministry. As a couple, they seek to support each other as much as possible in whatever each decides to pursue; writing together is their latest way of bonding.
