Results Day!

So today is the big day for lots of you: you get to find out how you got on and, if you’re planning on going to uni, where it is you’ll spend the next few years studying. It’s an exciting time!

You might have got the results you wanted, if so – a massive congratulations! But you may have not, and you may end up going to uni somewhere you totally didn’t expect.

It’s really funny, over the past few years I’ve lost count of the number of people I’ve spoken to who weren’t planning on coming to Manchester, but because of unexpected results/other things have ended up here. And you know what? Everyone has been so glad! What I’m trying to say is that sometimes God has different plans for us than those we might expect, and his choice is always the best one. Just remember that:

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” – Romans 8:28

So as you are head off into pastures new – be that uni, a job or whatever – know that God is ordering your steps and that he has GOOD things for you! Trust him.

Top Tips For Surviving Your Exams

It’s May, the sun’s out, and you’d like to be anywhere but the library. This means one thing… exam time!

I’ve put together some top tips for making it through the next couple of weeks. (Apologies (and congratulations) if you’ve already finished!) Have a read and see what you think…

1. “Be still and know that I am God” – Psalm 46:10. Do it, it’ll help.

2. In a similar vein, pray Philippians 4:6-7 over your and your friend’s lives: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“

3. On that subject of prayer – exams are a common enemy that you can unite with all your non-Christian friends over. What a great opportunity to offer to pray with them…

4. Do some work! I know it sounds obvious, but your exams will be a lot less stressful and will go a lot better if you actually do some revision!

5. Don’t flake out on church/time with God. Obviously, you will have to prioritise your time a bit more, and think about where you’re spending your days. But really do try and stay plugged in with church/lifegroup/quiet-times as much as you can. I’m a strong believer that sacrifice releases power and if you choose to make time for God and put him first, he will bless you for it.

6. Get some sleep! Sorry for sounding like your mother, but some good Zs will help you to be a lot more productive.

7. Minstrels. Clearly the Lord’s choice of table-side sweets.

8. Keep summer in mind as motivation. The 3 months holiday you’ll get off is incredible. Just think: work hard for two or three weeks more and then you can have as much time off as you want after that. It’ll feel so much more satisfying, too, if you’ve put in a good shift before the break.

Here’s a motivational image to inspire you:

Beautiful.