One of our sons called this week and excitedly announced he was finished.
Finished with school, that is... as he had just taken his last college exam.
Of course, the tests will continue.
They do for all of us, since testing is a part of life.
It began in the garden, when God told our first parents they could eat from any tree but one.
And from there tests became a regular part of the way God works in people's lives.
Abraham's call to sacrifice his son Isaac is an example of an extreme test.
But we face many more ordinary tests throughout life -- all of which in some way call us to respond in trust and obedience.
Most of the time we don't like being put to the test, because of the way it challenges and stretches us.
But God's tests are always good for us.
They give us an opportunity to show ourselves faithful and mature as His apprentices.
And they tend -- like school -- to prepare us for whatever He has next for us.
So when a new test comes your way, don't be quick to want to dodge it.
He's sure to be with you in it, and make available all the grace you need to pass it.
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts (Pr.17:3).