I have been stressed with school lately. And a while back I realized that I prioritized school work over spending time with God. I would still read the Bible at least twice a day, but I feel like I was reading it for the sake of reading it. I didn’t feel the desire I used to have (when I got saved).
Then last week I went on a 3 day fast for the purpose of drawing near to God and asking for academic success since the next coming weeks were going to get hectic. I had a quiz coming on the day after my last fast day. I prayed to God asking for wisdom, understanding being able to remember what I had studied. I also prayed for a peace of mind, that I wouldn’t get anxious or stressed out while writing my quiz (this was for my hardest class).
I then felt better and continued on studied knowing God would take of it and I just had to do my best. Test day comes I was reviewing in the morning and prayed a few minutes before we started. This was done online and we were allowed to use our notes and textbook.
However, time went quickly and I knew I wouldn’t be able to completely finish. So, for 2 of the questions I googled them (though I ended up using only one of them). And the answer to the question could have been found in the notes but it would have take longer so I just used the one I found online. Then I submitted my quiz. I hadn’t finished it but I felt I would get a higher mark then the last two quizzes.
I felt disappointed in myself after. I had done a fast on developing my relationship with God. Trying to make my faith bigger only to google an answer later. I repented and asked God forgiveness I prayed that I wouldn’t do something like that again.
The thing is I have more assignments, quizzes and exams coming soon. But, I feel ashamed about what I did. And I feel like I can’t ask God for assistance on studying. I know this is a lie from the devil. But I don’t want to feel like I am just using him for school. I feel like I don’t have enough faith for him to help me in time. What should I do?
Read the story about the woman in Luke 7:38-50. Then read 1 Jn. 1:9–“if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from “all” unrighteousness!”
Hello Lydia,
The bible says the righteous falls seven times and still rise up again (Proverb 24:16). Everyone has periods he/she falls into some errors but what is important is for the person to retrace his/her steps back to the right part and not continue in the sin. Paul said we shall not continue in sin and want the grace of God to be upon us (Romans 6:1).
Once you truly confess your sin unto God, the sin has been forgotten and blotted out. There is no condemnation again concerning the confessed sin (Romans 8:1). When one has confessed a sin unto God and one is still troubled about that sin in ones mind, then one can confess the sin to the children of God and they pray along with you (James 5:16). This you have done through this site. I believe the Lord has forgiven and blotted the sin. But you must not return to such sin again.
Our Lord Jesus told the Church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-7 that they should return to their first love. You need to ask for the grace of restoration to your first love for God when you were saved. Our God is a God of restoration, He is ready to restore you. He said whoever that shall call upon Him will not be ashamed. Seek the face of God for your restoration and you shall be fully restored.
You need to always depend on God for success in all things you are doing. As children of God, we are to trust only on God.
“But the comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things” John 14:26 KJV
“I have more understanding than all my teachers for thy testimonies are my meditation” Psalm 115:99 KJV
Our Lord Jesus said the Holy Spirit will teach us “all things”. The all things include your courses in the School may be Physics, Mathematics or whatever. Establish a good relationship with the Holy Spirit and He will teach you your courses in School. If the Holy Spirit is your teacher then you will have more understanding than all your teachers as the Psalmist said.
I am looking forward to your testimony about your full restoration to fellowship with God and good academic performance.
Shalom
One idea would be to confess to your teacher and accept the consequences. That’s a difficult answer, but when we trust Jesus, we find the strength to do what he says. In my experience, when I feel ashamed, and when I’m the only person impacted, the best thing I can do is bring it into the light. And I refer to 1 John 1:7.
I just prayed for you Lydia. Whether or not you confess this to your teacher, God will give you the strength to obey. I drop the ball, too. We all do. Over time, if we continue to run to God, he will help us make better choices.
I tell my kids, don’t come to visit, call or spend time with me unless it is real and comes from the heart. I don’t get mad at them when they don’t feel like talking, spending time or visiting with me. Because when they do, I know they want to and that makes me really happy.
Listen to Youtube scriptures or stories of Jesus if you don’t have time to read your Bible or are not into it.
You have to save your eyes for your school work. God loves you and read the story of Esther…That is a good chapter! Or Proverbs! Great chapter…It isn’t how much you read, it is what you learn and take away for life, when you do read.