Today’s Miracle Monday is a testimony from Brother Jared Scolaro. For those of you struggling with school or managing your time, this one’s for you.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned so far in graduate school, it’s that I would be hopeless without God’s merciful hand providing me with the strength to get through. This is one of many testimonies in which God reminded me that He alone is my strength.
One of my math classes this semester included two midterms. The material leading up to the first midterm was familiar to me, so I felt confident I’d perform well. The homework made sense, and I had plenty of time to study. When the test came around, I ended up with a pretty decent grade.
After the first midterm, the material suddenly became extremely challenging for me. The homework was tough and time consuming, and I questioned my ability to get through the rest of the class. On top of that, my professors collectively assigned three large homeworks all due on the days leading up to the exam.
All of this was going through my mind on the Friday morning before the Southwest Area MBA Youth Summit in Tse Bonito, New Mexico. Should I use common sense and spend my weekend working on homework and studying for my exam the following week, or should I leave town for the weekend and let my assignments build up for a few more days? I honestly felt very overwhelmed, and I seriously contemplated staying home. However, the following passage from Luke came to mind:
“And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind… But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Luke 12:27-29,31)
God had helped me through seemingly impossible tests in the past, so I decided to take Him at His word and attend the Youth Summit.
The weekend was full of blessings, and my spirit felt renewed as I watched the youth of the Southwest Region organize activities to honor God. That Sunday in New Mexico, I testified that I believed God could bless me on my exam, but even if He didn’t, I was still glad I attended the Youth Summit. I realized that school and work don’t matter enough to dictate how I spend my time. God alone merits that honor.
On the day of the midterm, things were not looking good. I was still struggling with the material despite meeting with my professor. I had not slept or studied enough because of my other homework, and I got to the exam 10 minutes late due to traffic. When the instructor announced that time was up, I was still working.
And yet somehow … I got a perfect score.
I don’t believe that I “earned” God’s favor in that situation by going to a church event. I don’t believe that if I go to church and then squander the rest of my time that I can expect God’s full blessing. However, I do believe that God is faithful to His promises, and when He promises that He will take care of me if I seek Him first, then I can take Him at His word. I thank God for being my strength through grad school, and I pray that I remember this lesson as I face new challenges.
Do you have a story that you’d like to tell in honor to God? Click here to share it with us, and we’ll feature it on a future Miracle Monday.
This article has undergone ministry review and approval.
Brother Jared, I enjoyed your blog! I have no doubt that though you were blessed in attending the Youth Summit, the other people that were there were blessed by you as well. May God continue to bless you in your spiritual journey and your academic one as well.