From chemistry to ethics to anatomy to calculus, college is full of tests. You spend weeks preparing for these tests (unless you’re like me and study the night before), and these tests don’t catch you by surprise because they’ve been written in your planner since the day you received the syllabus. We dread the day of the test, even though we knew it was coming. When the test comes, whether you pass or fail depends on how well you prepared for it. And though these tests may be important when it comes to your GPA, your major, or your self confidence, there is a recurring test that you will face in college that is far more important than any chemistry, math, or anatomy test: a test of faith.

The bad news is, these kinds of tests are not something that you can write down in your planner, and it is not something you can study extra hard for the night before, hoping for a passing grade. Your faith is tested with temptation, but failing this test is worse than failing an academic test. While failing a chemistry, calculus, or anatomy test will have a negative impact on your grade, failing a test in your faith will have a negative impact on your relationship with God. Though the grade in your class is important for your academic life, your relationship with God is important for your eternal life, and that is something far more important than any grade.

The good news is, you can study for these tests, but you can’t cram. It is so easy to steer away from God during your transition into college, but it is so important to avoid that. The best way to prepare for any trial that may occur is to be in God’s word. I know from experience that making time for God is challenging, especially in college. Between classes, clubs, and studying, it is easy to leave God out of your daily schedule. I cannot stress enough how important it is to MAKE time. After all, finding time to study the bible is a trial within itself. Coming into college, I was very overwhelmed with the amount of things that I had to do and the lack of time I had to do them. Needless to say, I was not spending time in God’s word. During this time, I found myself stressing over things that didn’t matter and getting irritated with my roommates for no reason. I was not able to overcome the trials that were testing my faith, and I found myself becoming farther and farther away from God as each day passed.

When you enter college, you are going to be presented with trials and temptation that will test your faith. Whether it means waking up a little bit earlier or staying up a little bit later, it is important that you take time out of your day to listen what God has to tell you by studying his word. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you to stay close to God and you can Grow closer to God with. If you’re anything like me, you WILL stumble in your faith and give in to temptation, and that is OKAY. The important things is to stay in contact with God. Believe it or not, he wants you to hear him more that you want him to hear you. Remember that these trials are meant to transform you and help you grow. Trials are NORMAL, and you WILL make it through.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1: 2-4)