This posts hopes to serve as a comfort and reminder that you got this! Exam time is super stressful but here are some tips from those who have gone before you.
This one goes out to all you folks who've been hiding under books for the last few weeks as exam season has rapidly approached and taken over everything! Here are some words from those who have been through it all before (and made it through!) to serve as a reminder that it's okay to feel overwhelmed and frightened, to be scared of the future and what it holds, but that ultimately, all will work out for your good.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
"Exams always suck but we can take a lot of encouragement from Paul’s writings. Not everything in life is a guaranteed ‘good thing’ but we have an assurance that everything that does happen will ultimately have a good purpose. Exams aren’t much fun but we can glorify God in our working, giving the best of ourselves and trying our hardest to serve our Father. We have been gifted with skills and we should want to use them to advance His kingdom on earth. God’s will for our lives is slowly revealed by little steps and decisions we make each day. Leaving uni is one of those little steps, but all these little things create a specific direction in our lives. God’s will is not a tight rope and we are not painfully restricted within it. It is more of an open field and He encourages us to explore certain areas whilst guiding us gently within the hedgerows. Our hearts have God-given desires, it is up to us to discern through prayer what God wants for our future so pray fervently and faithful for wisdom and guidance, talk to brothers and sisters for advice and watch God move in the most wonderful ways. Hang in there." - Sophie Clarke, Geography Graduate
"As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me" (Micah 7:7)
“I think what most scared me about coming out of Uni was that for the first time in my life I had no idea what I was going to do next. I felt like God was silent when I needed to hear him most but after a bit of time and a lot of prayer I have realised that during this silence God is continuing to change us, I have learned that He is right there with us while we are waiting for that ‘next thing’ and He will reveal to us in His perfect timing where He wants us to go." -Rachel Smylie, Media Studies Graduate
“In terms of coping with exams etc, I would say as hard as this is to put into practice, try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Find the time of the day that works best for you and set yourself the goal of working then but also allowing yourself breaks at other times of the day.
As for coming out of uni, my biggest piece of advice is don't panic. Everyone in uni acts like you have to come out of uni and have it all figured out, you need to get straight into a job and know what you are doing but don't panic if that doesn't happen, I'm graduated a year and still trying to figure out what I'm doing but that's okay, I'll get there and you'll get there and best of all, God's got it covered.” - Hannah Bailey, Psychology Graduate
“Begin your days well in stillness & God's presence and trust me, it will make all the difference. Lock your phone away for a few hours a time and work with all your MIGHT (Colossians 3.23) then enjoy and celebrate breaks - throw a mini party for yourself, walk outside, eat a lolly, do a cartwheel! And repeat. Keep positive, see the perspective but use your time well as before you know it 3/4 years of study will be over. You're doing great & you've got this!!” - Rachel Kennedy, English and Drama Graduate
“Slow down, take time, breathe in. He said he’d reveal what’s to come. The thoughts in his mind, always higher than mine... Take courage my heart, stay steadfast my soul, it’s in the waiting.”
These lyrics resonate so well with me as I journey through life since graduating last summer. It’s not always easy to be unsure where my life is going, but knowing who’s hands I am in is a far greater comfort than any earthly knowledge I may have.” - Claire Acheson, Psychology Graduate.
“I think the biggest tip and encouragement I can give to those who are going through the pressure of exams at the minute is to remember that God's got this, He already has the outcome planned. So whilst working hard, don't shove Him aside and don't try to do it in your own strength. When you come out the other side, you want to be able to tell people that it was achieved with Jesus, not by yourself. If you leave it to yourself, you will stress and panic. If you do it with Jesus, you will find joy and peace in whatever the outcome. But don't forget, you've still gotta give it your best shot!!” - Bethany McDowell, Teaching Graduate
May these words bring you comfort and peace, and point you towards your Father in anxiety-filled times.
We're praying for you!
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