Strong to the Finish
Exhortations for military professionals who desire to go the distance

Dan Bolin

In school, my worst enemy was the pop quiz. I could cram for tests and get acceptable grades. But the unexpected quizzes revealed how much I actually knew-or didn't know-about the subject, not how well I could study for an exam.

Teachers use pop quizzes to keep students focused on important information.

The goal is not to pass a test but to be prepared for life by learning and being ready to apply knowledge at any time. Life is filled with many pop quizzes, throwing challenges at us at the most inopportune times.

Tests weren't unfamiliar to James, who writes, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (James 1:2-3).

Pop quizzes develop perseverance, one mark of a godly man or woman. When things are at their worst, the one with perseverance is at his or her best. Perseverance reveals itself in one more day of responsibility, one more week of faithfulness, and one more deployment.

But if you've ever asked, "How long?" you're in good company. This question was asked more than 50 times by Old Testament heroes. For example, in Psalm 13 David asks, "How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?"

David must have been facing a series of tough pop quizzes-a time during which God seemed distant. He seems to be overwhelmed by thoughts of discouragement and sadness, as his enemies appeared to have gained the upper hand.

Maybe, like David, you are experiencing a time when God seems out of reach. Maybe your mind has raced to the worst possible conclusion and you are overcome by worry, disappointment, and fear. You may be at a point at which people are no longer allies but enemies as you fight to faithfully fulfill your responsibilities. Life can be tough-and the pop quizzes just keep coming.

Remember, God is at work in the midst of struggle, helping you learn more about the love, strength, wisdom, and peace that only He can provide.

The point of life's pop quizzes is to keep us focused on Him, so that one day we can hear the Lord say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Dan is the president of Encouragement FM, a former Christian camp director, and a past chair of the CCCA Board of Directors. This article first appeared in the March/April 2005 issue of InSite magazine. Used by permission.