Shake off that "Exam Fever"

So, it's that time of year again when all roads lead to the exam room. It's funny how a semester's worth of work boils down to a THREE HOUR PAPER.
This is the time when people usually realise what work they should have been doing when they were out partying, shopping, gossiping or just sleeping!
This is usually the time also when people start looking for that dusty Bible that's been somewhere under the bed and seeking God because sometimes, only God can pull them through.


I draw SO MUCH strength from the Bible because the promises and comforting words are still so relevant.


Many people feel stressed and overwhelmed during exams but think of it this way: if you put in the hours now, it'll be so worth it when you reap the good results, and what you lack in sleep, social life and other at the moment, you will be MORE than able to make up for when exams are over.


One of the common features that resonate in many students during exams is the late nights and early mornings.
I find that waking up is so much harder during exams but I always remind myself that "A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest and poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber." (Proverbs 24:33-34)
BLUNT.


By the end of a semester people are tired, despondent and are suffering from information overload but the Lord says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Cast you cares and burdens upon Him and He will give you rest.


Anxiety, panic and general disorder of the mind are rife, but we are told "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6) Simple.

As you study and prepare, pray before you tackle your work. The Word says "Commit your works to the Lord and they WILL be established." (Proverbs 16:3)



Don't be fearful of exams, but know that you were not given a Spirit of fear (yes, fear is a spirit), but of power and of love, and of a sound mind (or good judgment) (2 Timothy 1:7).


Pray and still spend time with God and as you delight yourself in the Lord, He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalms 37:4) 


Lastly, pray for favour with the markers as you write and make sure your faith does not lie in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." (1 Cor 2:5). The battle is the Lord's.

He shall make you the head and not the tail; and you shall be above only and not be beneath." (Deut 28:13)

Here are a few tips:

• Make sure you have enough stationery. It may sound silly but you don't need something like a pen that's run out of ink throwing you off. I always make sure i have like 5 of everything for every exam, just in case :)

• Be early for the exam! An exam is not the ideal situation to want to make a grand "fashionably late" entrance. If anything, all you'll get is dirty looks from the people who were there half an hour before. Being early helps you stay calm and collected before the exam as opposed to being in a panic and flustered because usually when you're late and running on "JUST IN TIME" stuff generally starts going wrong one thing after the other.
• Sleep early! People often want to squeeze in a last minute exam (CRAM) session the night before an exam. Don't do it if your exam is in the morning. You need rest so you can be on top of your game in the morning.
• Pack everything you'll need the night before, to prevent the morning rush and forgetting stuff in the chaos

May you reap harvests from where you have sown seed.

Do your best and trust Him to do the rest.