Don't Give Up

   Ever since January 10th, each and every day that I have sat down at my desk and opened up one of my academic books, it has been in preparation for this very week. Every time I made a flashcard, memorized a fact, or numbered my paper, my mind has been strictly focused on these few fast-approaching days. Yes, it has come, faster and more furious than it ever has before...

Finals.

   This year, I will be taking Geometry, English, Chemistry and a World History history final. Because history is my favorite subject, I decided to take the AP World History Exam which is this Thursday. My finals will take place this Wednesday and Thursday. Luckily, I have Friday to recuperate from all my exams :) I am heartily assured that my finals will be challenging and strenuous. I would really appreciate your prayers this week!!

   However, I realize that I am almost done. In just a matter of days, school will be over and my long-anticipated summer vacation will begin. Why should I succumb to stress and give up now when the end is so near, and my completion of school is in sight?

    In Romans 12:2, Paul writes: "And do not be conformed  to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

   The world constantly tries to convince us that we need to live for ourselves, fertilizing our own personal desires and wants. However, the Bible clearly teaches us not to be conformed to this world. Instead of "living for the moment", we need to be constantly thinking of the future and conducting ourselves in appropriate ways that will positively affect tomorrow. If I decided to ignore my studies because it became to hard or I didn't feel like it, my grades would suffer, I would flunk my finals, and I would ultimately fail in the endeavor for self-discipline. 

  Once again, please keep me uplifted in prayer this week. If you also have finals coming up, please leave a comment after this post, and tell me how I can pray for you. I exhort you, my dear readers, to work hard and not give up even though it is difficult. Keep working, stay focused, and don't give up. The Lord will reward you for your hard work in the end :)