Fall '19 Finals Affirmations Day 5

*The verse that has nothing and everything to do with your finals at the same time*

At this time, you might be one of the many people who scramble for bible verses to encourage and guide you through the intensity of finals. Allow me to dispel one commonly misunderstood scripture, but share random encouragements that the Lord reminded me through my meditation.

I hope this brings peace, joy and some amazing finals results.

“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James‬ ‭2:17‬ ‭

Here’s what this verse doesn’t mean:

“If I want the highest grades in my finals, I can’t just believe God for high grades, I’ve gotta study study study!”

Now, this is definitely true, but the verse refers to something much more important and eternal than a few exams.

Verse 16 poses a great question: “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?” ‭‭James‬ ‭2:14‬ ‭

So clearly we can see the context is salvation. It’s a call to reflect on our faith if we claim to be in Jesus, yet our lives don’t bear the fruit of it. But before you erase the verse from your textbook, I think we can take great encouragement in our finals by meditating on what saving faith actually means for Christians.

Salvation shows us a few things:

1. God cares enough for us that he gave his only son up to punishment (John 3:16). Why wouldn’t he care about my life, future and my finals? This is a call to praying for guidance, crying out in frustration and giving Him thanks and praise for our success.

2. Our new relationship with God means that we can bring him glory through our excellence. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians‬ ‭3:17‬. So as you plough away at your textbooks, God is smiling on you and wants you to give it your all

3. Our futures are guaranteed regardless of our grade point averages. The Holy Spirit is a guarantee of eternal life if we are in Jesus (Ephesians 1:13) (that means we’re definitely going to get it). We don’t have to worry about our futures knowing that our eternity is set. We can approach our finals with peace, rest and liberty.

With these in mind, if you place your trust in Jesus, you can attack those finals with the most confidence, peace, and joy because of what our faith in Jesus provides us with!

Go and be great, to the glory of God 😌

Emmanuel Ayoola is a 23-year-old Christian from London. He makes videos to help Christians grow in knowledge and love for Jesus (YT: Faith Talks). He is also the founder of Grace Sustains Africa who are supporting sustainable development and gospel work in Africa (www.gsafrica.online). Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @emmanuelayoola_