LIFE’S SURPRISE TESTS

One of the most memorable and fearful times that I remember when I attended school some thirty-five years ago in Yerevan was the day when I walked into the Algebra classroom, sat down, and heard those words: “Clear your desk, take out a sheet of paper and a pen. There will be a test today.”

Have you ever been there? You’re going about your week, everything feels smooth and steady, and then, out of nowhere, you’re hit with a surprise test. Maybe it’s a call from the doctor with news you weren’t ready for. Maybe it’s a challenge at work you didn’t anticipate. Or maybe it’s a disagreement with someone you care about deeply. Life has a way of surprising us with its tests.

These are the moments that test more than our knowledge; they test our faith, our character, and our ability to lean on God. As the apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?”

These words remind us that every trial is an invitation to see what’s inside of us. Just like in school, when the test revealed whether I had been paying attention in Algebra class, life’s tests reveal whether we’ve been leaning into God’s promises. When the unexpected happens, do we respond in fear or in faith? Do we let doubt take over, or do we remember that the Creator of the universe is right there with us?

The good news is, we’re not taking this test alone. God is the ultimate teacher, and He’s given us everything we need to succeed. He’s written the answers in His Word. He’s surrounded us with His Spirit to guide us. And He’s promised that no test will ever be more than we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).

So, if you’re facing a test today, don’t let it discourage you. Let it develop you. It’s shaping your character, growing your faith, and preparing you for greater blessings. The tests you’re facing today are going to become your testimony tomorrow. And one day, you’ll look back and say, “That was a tough test, but it taught me to lean on God like never before.”

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
January 30, 2025