My Testimony Part 3

Upon enrolling into Columbia Bible College, now known as Columbia International University, I began to discover that there was much about the Word of God that I did not know. At that point, in September of 1983, I had only been a Christian for about twenty months. Even though I had learned a lot about my newfound relationship with God, there was MUCH to learn. For this reason, I was thrilled to be at CBC. It did not take long for reality to set in for this nineteen year old kid. The day came that I was to take my first test in college. I really felt prepared, however when I received my test back from my Old Testament Professor, I made a beeline to a secluded area in the woods near the softball field. When I arrived at that spot, I cried my eyes out. I felt like such a failure, for I had nearly failed the test. I had made a 72 on my first test at college. I sat there so dejected that I told the LORD that I was in the wrong place. To make matters worse, my best friend, had made a 93 on the very same test. In comparison, I was a huge failure. It was that day that the LORD began to teach me that failure in His economy is not the opposite of success. That day after telling the LORD that I was at the wrong place, the LORD said clearly to me in my heart, "Son, you are right where I want you." He reminded me that He had a habit of collecting people, such as King David and the Apostle Peter, who had failed to be a part of what He is doing in this world. That brings up a great point, it is our failures that authenticate our ministry. I have found over the years that people connect far more with my failures than my successes. People are looking for a safe place to be. And, when we are real with them, they just trust us more. It is in that context of trust that real connection takes place and the Kingdom of Christ is advance through our yielded lives.