A little over a year ago, I began contemplating going back to school but really didn’t want to. I came to a crossroads with work and asked for prayer at the 2015 October conference. When I left, a few of the brothers who prayed for me offered to fast and pray with me that God would reveal His will.
During the week I set aside to fast and pray, I was inspired to seek a certification rather than go for a graduate degree. A few days after deciding this, one of the brothers praying with me felt to relate an experience he had while laying hands on me at conference. I felt the experience confirmed what I had been inspired to do.
Immediately, I began to fear, wondering how I could accomplish this task. That’s when I knew for sure I was on the right path, as Satan was trying to deter me. Over the next few months, I started the program and began to study for the first of two tests. The study book was 1,000 pages, and when I took the practice test I scored a whopping 25 percent. I asked myself how I was going to do this, and had I made a big mistake?
I was reminded of Nephi and the story in 1 Nephi 3. At that moment I asked in my heart, “Why am I worrying? If God commanded me to do this, which I fully believe, then why am I scared? He’s going to provide a way. All I have to do is give my best effort.”
So I did just that. I studied when I could, as often as I could. When I took the practice test a second time, I scored 75 percent. It’s not because of me but because of the Lord! The day of the actual test came in May, and I failed by three questions. I couldn’t believe it.
Then I remembered 1 Nephi 3 and 4. Before Nephi accomplished his mission, he failed. He got back up, though, and was determined to get the plates. He went back to Jerusalem in the confidence of the Lord, and God delivered Laban into his hands.
I did the same thing. I studied through the summer and took a study course with others planning to take the exam. The retest came in September, and this time I passed because the Lord made it possible. Praise God for the confidence that we can have in Him, for He will always prepare a way to accomplish what He commands.
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Beautiful words and scripture. I can totally relate. Great example of perseverance.
What an awesome blog!! Your message is so important today as many of us struggle over decisions in life and feeling direction from God. After the first test, I may have thought I misunderstood God’s direction. Congratulations on passing the test!