Pop Quiz! (Algebra class) “Clear off your desk and get ready for a pop quiz.” That is perhaps the most disturbing command ever to be heard by a high school student. For me, it usually brought on panic and brain freeze. And the worst place to hear it was Algebra class. The only thing worse than a pop quiz was being instructed to go to the board and work a problem in front of the class. At the time, I thought the pop quiz was to show the teacher if I was learning anything. I have since learned, however, that the teacher already knew. The pop quiz was actually to show me if I was learning anything. Usually, it was not good news. Then, to make matters worse, we were instructed to exchange papers so we could grade them for the teacher. Now, not only the teacher and I knew what I was (or was not) learning; everyone in the class knew! I hated the process, but it was very effective. I needed to pay more attention to the teacher if I was going learn anything. When God allows me to recall a memory from the past, He usually desires to reveal a truth. He wants me to learn something. So I am seeking the spiritual revelation involved in my past experiences with the pop quiz. ********************************************** The teacher always announced the pop quiz and identified it as such. God also administers the pop quiz, but He doesn’t always identify it or even let me know it is coming. It just appears. If I am not walking in the Spirit and listening to God, I can very easily miss it all together. A pop quiz from God may come as a past due bill, or maybe even the loss of a job. It could be an unwanted report from the doctor or a trusted friend that no longer seems to care. It may show up as a disconnect notice from the utility company, or even an eviction notice. In any case, it takes on the nature of a pop quiz. It is unexpected and unwanted. Why would God bring such a pop quiz? Perhaps for the same reason the teacher brought them; to show me if I was learning anything. God is teaching me many things about Himself, but everything I learn is based upon one foundational truth. I can always trust Him. Until I learn that foundational truth I will not experience the fullness of the love relationship He and I both desire. When things are going as expected, it is not difficult to believe God can always be trusted. When the bills are paid, the cupboards are full, there’s money in the bank, and my health is good, I will proclaim from the roof tops that, “God is good! All the time...All the time! God is good!” But a pop quiz from God reveals to me if I have really learned anything. It will answer the question, “Do I really believe God is good…all the time?” Much like high school, my initial response to God’s pop quiz is usually panic and brain freeze. And much like the teacher, it is not to show God if I am learning anything. God already knows. The pop quiz is to show me if I am learning anything. Above all, He wants me to learn that He can always be trusted…in any situation, environment, or predicament…He can always be trusted. I still do not like the pop quiz. But the Teacher has captured my heart! And I know whatever He does, it is always in my best interest. I don’t need to understand why. I only need to understand Who. By His mercy and grace, I am just beginning to understand…I can trust Him. Pop Quiz today? “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” – Psalm 91:1-2
Posted on: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 18:53:51 +0000