A Time to Learn

I was in the hospital when my final year 1st semester result came out. My classmates bombarded the hospital in groups as it was their custom after lecture hours. But on this day, I couldn’t help but notice the morose faces. When my favorite group came in, I noticed one had just finished crying...I asked but she said nothing. I found later that they had been crying for me! Amongst ‘us’, I was the only one to have an extra year! I failed! They didn’t know how to tell me, so they told my sister and my father! My entire family felt terrible about it especially because some of my younger ones had graduated already. I was yet battling with the demise of my 7yr old ‘model’ relationship and then this! And to top it all, my relationship with God was on the decline.
Getting the hint was disheartening. I was devastated; even though I knew I didn’t write the exam well, I believed God to just pass... I had publicly disappointed everyone that was looking up to me. Thankfully, my friends and family were supportive. Everyone became even nicer than usually, and me, as each day passed on my sick bed, I hoped to die...
Your story today may even be worse and it seems like you are never going to pull through but guess what, you will...The year after that year was one of the best, I learnt humility and forgiveness, I learnt to teach, to care and to love and most all, I learned to worship...it was a gracious year and God really smiled on me.
Friends, there is always something to learn from the things you suffer, something that qualifies you for the next phase...Even Jesus, learned Obedience from the things He suffered and through that, God qualified Him as the perfect high priest. (See Hebrews 5:8) There’s definitely light at the end of the tunnel, so even in the dark moments, think of the light you’ll see when the end comes. (Please meditate on Hebrews2:18, 10:36, 12:2 and Romans8:18).
Hang on buddy! You’re too blessed to be stressed.
Shalom!