The Test is not the Test

Recently, I have had friends encounter discouraging health information. My one friend found out her swollen neck is stage four cancer. Another friend desperately wanted to donate her kidney to her sister but has been informed she needs to resolve some of her own health issues before being able to proceed with the donation.

As I read comments and reactions from my friends' family and friends, I witness anger and disbelief that God could be answering prayer in such a negative way.

One thing I have learned in life is the test is not the test.

In school, when you had an exam in math, the test may have been fair. You may have gotten a grade which reflected your effort and understanding of the concepts. Then there are tests which are unfair, with questions beyond the scope of the class or which do not have any correct answers. The test is rigged against the student. It does not matter how hard you studied, you may end up with a poor grade. The mark does not reflect your knowledge or understanding of the subject.

And this is where the real test comes in. It does not matter if the exam was fair. It does not matter if you got a perfect score or a 50% on the exam. What matters is how you react. Do you boast about your score and put down other students? Or do you take your high achievement and use your mastery of the material to tutor others who are struggling? Do you decide the subject matter is beyond your comprehension and give up? Or do you double down and become determined to ace the next exam? How you react to the situation is the real test. And this applies to every day life.

Many events happen in our lives which are far beyond our control. We cannot control a virus or its outbreak. We do not decide who gets cancer. We are not responsible for other's behaviors such as drinking and driving which ultimately may kill a family member. Life is often unfair. The test is sometimes rigged against us. But that is not important.

What is important is how we respond. Do we put our best foot forward, loving God and loving our neighbor as our self? Are we able to forgive those who have harmed us? Can we see the good in all things or believe that all things work together for good?

Life is hard. We all face daily tests which can build us up or tear us down. Sometimes we may feel 100% confident about the subject matter while other times we show up totally unprepared. Never lose sight that the test is not the test. How you react to the outcome of the exam is the true test.