There I sat…It was the semester test in 9th grade algebra with 10 minutes before the bell and my test paper was almost empty. I didn’t then, nor do I now understand why I need letters to solve a math problem. But here I was. I needed answers. By the time my buddy handed me his test paper I only had time to write the answers down next to each question. All those formulas & scribbles meant nothing to me. Although our teacher was aware of me and the other slackers, he avoided “tuff” love (accountability). I would take my “C,” keeping my mouth shut thinking I would never see this “stuff” again. Wrong. Four years later there I sat, lost as a goose in a college math class.

Life for a “Follower of Christ” is like algebra class. There are those who commit to work. Learn & use the formulas and have confidence during the test. Then there are people who don’t. And the results are dramatic. My dear friend Jason said it this way, “Being a Christian does not change what you deal with…It changes how you deal with it.” BAM. Jesus told us in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Only Jesus is the “Way.” (John 14:6)

God’s Word, His Textbook is full of life formulas. When we enrolled in God School (Born Again, John 3:3-21) our training…our transformation began. Some people approach God School by just showing up for class, socializing and hoping someone will give them the answers to a test. But in God School it does not work that way. God knows our heart…what we need (Psalm 139:23-24) and has provided the Holy Spirit to teach & guide (John 14:26) us through all parts of life here on earth. James told us in James 1:2-8, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers & sisters, wherever you face trials of many kinds…”. Notice what he said, “when,” not if.

Fifteen months ago, my dear friend & Bible Study buddy called to tell me his wife had been diagnosed with brain cancer. We talked, prayed and I shared the scripture (formulas) God gave me before I was diagnosed with cancer. One verse He recalled later was from our study in the Old Testament when King Jehoshaphat stood facing a superior army that could overrun his nation. He stood before his people and prayed, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12. The next 15 months were difficult but through it all God ministered to him and his wife in ways only God can and does. So many people observed in Mike & Janet’s lives the Fruit of the Spirit as Paul writes in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” This fruit is available only to His Sheep. The fruit the world will not ever understand or find until they find Jesus. In the last weeks of Janet’s life, she told her family & friends, “I’m ready to go if God is ready to take me.” Janet was waiting for her room. “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:2-3

When the storms of life come, a God School Test, we don’t have to like them or understand them but Trust Him…the one who Promised, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20. He also told us in John 10:28, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

Don’t you want the confidence & peace of knowing the Creator & Sustainer of All life holds you in the palm of His Hand? No matter who you are or what you have done He stands at the door of your heart. Will you welcome Him in and allow Him to “Transform” your heart?