By Ethan Ng*

Some of us may be tackling the Primary School Leaving Examination, or the GCE O-Levels, or even just our regular Semestral Assessments. It need not be an exam it can be even just a simple test or presentation but it may still make us nervous.

TRUST

It is important for us to always trust God. Go into the examination room with confidence that God has gone ahead of you. As God himself said:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

PRAY

When you have some low moments during revision like if you are frustrated and the feeling that nobody understands the stress that you are going through just pray to God. The challenges God has placed in your life are things that God knows you are able to handle. He understands what you are going through. God will be with you every step of the way. There may be frustrations due to the rate of learning but the struggle we are going through now is all planned by God and will make up a part of us in the future. For everyone there is a necessary struggle for all of us to go through. It may feel like you are the only one taking the examination. Remember in the story of David it was one small shepherd boy against Goliath but David had faith and knew that he had a giant God on his side. When we feel the stress and anxiety building up, look to God and pray to him:

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)

FOCUS

Focus on the examination and do not worry about the next day.

Do not worry about the results as God has a plan for you:

“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

I recalled during my revision period before the PSLE preliminary examination, I felt tired and I looked at my Bible and found this verse:

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31)

This verse reminded me at all times to hope in the LORD as he will give us rest and give us power when we are tired out.

TIPS

Having to revise the basics may seem boring for some of us but it is important – the foundation before we move on to the more advanced ways to tackle different questions. It is essential to pray to God daily but before the exam here are some things you can pray for:

– The ability to read understand and comprehend the questions
– The ability to recall all that has been taught in class and revision|
– The reminders to check the completed work

During the examination if there is anything you do not know or forgot, pray.

GOD WITH ME

God is always there in my examination. There was a question for me that was challenging but I prayed for understanding and I felt that although it was the last few minutes of the paper God had delivered me and praise the Lord I was able to complete the paper and I did better for my weakest subject which was Math.

After the exam, I thanked God for his guidance and continued to study hard and put in lots of effort.

*Ethan Ng is taking his PSLE now.