As the school year comes to a close over the next few weeks, it is that TIME as a student to get ready to write a "final" paper or take a "final" exam. This is to ensure that everything that you have read, studied, or researched has been retained and understood. The definition of test preparedness is an educational course, tutoring service, educational material, or a learning tool designed to increase students' performance on standardized exams or tests. The more a student prepares, the more likely the outcome will be successful.

As Christians, there are great parallels between test preparedness in school and our walk, or journey, to draw ourselves closer to God and submit our lives fully to HIM. I would argue that there is no greater purpose in a Christian's life than to pursue an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As you journey through life, now in school and soon in the workplace or mission field, our entire existence on earth will consummate in a final test.

The Lord gave us a great example of how to approach "testing." In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus was tempted or tested by Satan on three separate occasions. Because Jesus was Almighty God in the flesh, HIS example is something we should always follow when dealing with a test. HE rebuked the devil all three times by declaring truth directly from the Scriptures. Our lives are one BIG TEST. As we do in our individual school subjects, the material and information must be processed very carefully to understand what it means. The same is true as we live daily in submission to Christ. As we walk and seek the Lord, the outcome of the tests we face is a mixed bag. We will have success (give glory to God) and we will have failures (seek the Lord's understanding and repent if there is sin involved) when we face our tests. We have to learn what God wants for us in both cases.

My prayer for all of us at HCS is stated in James 1:1-4 NIV: "Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials (tests) of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you are mature and complete, not lacking anything." The more we are tested in life, the more opportunity we have to be mature and complete in Christ.

Congratulations on another successful school year and remember: be prepared and seek God in all that you do!