Don't Settle For 'B'

Image by Camilla Hoel via Flickr

I can do everything
through him who gives me strength
Philippians 4:13

Harvey MacKay tells the story of a professor who stood before his class of 30 final year molecular biology students. Before passing out the final exam paper he said, 'I have been privileged to be your instructor this term, and I know how hard you have worked to prepare for this test. I also know most of you are off to medical school or graduate school next autumn. I am well aware of how much pressure you are under to keep your grade point averages up. Because I am confident that you know this material, I am prepared to offer an automatic B to anyone who opts to skip taking the final exam.' The relief was audible. A number of students jumped up from their desks, thanking the professor for the lifeline he had thrown them. 'Any other takers?' he asked. 'This is your last opportunity.' One more student decided to go. The instructor then handed out the final exam, which consisted of two sentences. It read: 'Congratulations, you have just received an A in this class. Keep believing in yourself.' It was a just reward for the students who had worked hard and believed in themselves.

The Apostle Paul experienced more headaches and heartaches in a month than most of us will see in a lifetime. Yet he wrote, 'I can do everything through him who gives me strength.' Come on, start believing in yourself, in the Christ who lives within you, in the gifts He's placed at your disposal, and the destiny to which He's called you. Refuse to settle for a B when God has promised and called you to an A.

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