Never Give Up. Never Give Up. Never Give Up!

I dedicate this post to every student who is feeling overwhelmed about his or her approaching examinations. Never consider the potential for defeat, but always consider the potential—YOUR potential—for VICTORY, and then make it your aim and goal to achieve that victory.

Never give up when you are faced with a massive amount of work. I know many—if not most of us—will be studying our entire Thanksgiving Break. While I understand that this may be necessary in order to do well on your tests, I believe it is also good to give yourself a break, even for a day. So, consider planning your study so you get at least one day completely off; your mind and body will thank you.  

In a commencement speech at his alma mater in 1941, Winston Churchill spoke these words: “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never-in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” The enemy you will face after break is not a real adversary, yet it (finals week) is still an imposing obstacle to many of us. I want to encourage you to not fear; rather, TRUST the LORD in EVERYTHING (Proverbs 3:5-6). Do your best to prepare, and then leave the rest up to Him (Psalm 37:4-5, 55:22). The best thing I ever do with my tests is surrender the outcomes to God because, when I do, He gives me peace (Philippians 4:4-7; Psalm 62:8; Proverbs 16:3; 1 Peter 5:7). 

Stand fast (1 Corinthians 15:58). Remember how far the Lord has taken you (Isaiah 63:7). If you're a junior nursing student, you've already taken three Med/Surg and three Pharmacology exams. You’ve made it! There’s just a little bit left for you to accomplish by God’s grace (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). You can do it!  Consider your last week of school your opportunity to SHINE (Matthew 5:16).