Seeing God in the little things... like life... and exams.

In my morning devotional today, the verse was 2 Corinthians 1:8-9. It said this: "We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead."

The commentary went on to talk about the pressures of life and how God can carry them for us.

Ahem. Yes, well, that verse was totally applicable to my life. Now, let me tell you how. 

Today was Tuesday. You may happen to know that I have TW every Tuesday... the school-year is comprised of 36 weeks. For your information, today was the 35th (lovely) week... and also, exam day! Perfect. 

What is that called when Seniors can't do anything except think about graduating... except for a Sophomore? Apparently I have that. 

I wasn't freaking out at all about my exams this time -- I was ultra calm. 

Wonky, right? 

Mostly I was just worried about getting all of my homework finished. Each of my classes gave a ton of work in addition (in addition!?!) to studying. Keep in mind that these are end of the year exams. Just saying.  

Actually, I have a confession to make. The only studying I did for these exams was on Monday... afternoon... Oh, man. I was in a sorry condition. But hey, at least I finished my homework!

It was a little disconcerting that I was not stressing out over these exams. Not on Monday night. Not even on Tuesday morning.

(Cue foreboding music.)

When I sat down to take my first exam, terror finally decided to strike fear in my heart. Sending beads of perspiration through the soles of my pink converse shoes (that is how gripping my worry was), I prayed that I would not flunk.  

The US History exam surprisingly went well. The Biology exam went fine, too. 

I was doing pretty nicely; the stress just melted away. 

... that is, until I got to American Lit and Comp class. Then, panic seized my joy. 

I honestly thought I might die while taking that exam (probably the most stressful exam created for high-school students).  I could practically see the gray hairs sprouting from my head. 

Suddenly, I had an urge to scream and run away (very fast) from that little room, yelling, "I'm too young to die!!!" 

Don't worry, I was able to get a grip on myself. 

Knowing that God can do anything, I asked Him to just bring me through that last exam. As I sat down, God brought the devotional from this morning to my mind. An unmistakable calm swept over me. It was great.

I got through that exam. And only because He carried me every step of the way. I think I even did well. 

It is easier to depend on Him when things are hard than when they're easy. 

Right now, I am sipping sparkling pomegranate juice through a pink, bendy straw. The afternoon sunlight is shining through my bedroom window; the rays, softly landing on my walls and desk. Life is grand indeed... splendid even!

And who do I have to thank for this wonderful day? God.

God is always in the details of life; I just need to remember to look more closely. When I find Him, I am always blessed.