courageous, adj.
not deterred by danger or pain; brave
possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching.
This definition does not characterize my reaction Saturday morning when I woke up to an email from my Aphasiology professor explaining that our cumulative exam that is scheduled for this Tuesday had been changed from an online (and consequently, open book/open note) exam, to an in-class, paper-based exam (no books/no notes). Aphasiology is the study of language disorders that result from brain damage, and I am not looking forward to relying on my own gray matter to propel me through this monstrous final. This discovery lead to about 24 hours of outrage, frustration, self-pity, and panic.
Last night I was about to go to bed when I came across a friend's blog that reminded me of the challenges that God calls us to face as we pursue His plan for our lives. When I stopped to consider the trials, challenges, and periods of waiting that so many of my friends and family seem to be undergoing right now, I could not help being impressed by two things: 1) I have some pretty courageous friends and family members, and 2) although I sometimes cannot see God's purpose when I'm in the midst of a trial, I can usually see at least a few good things that He has brought about by the time I come to the end of it. And while an aphasia final is not the most challenging circumstance God will ask me to face in life, or maybe even this month, I can take comfort in God's faithfulness and His promise to provide. As he has been faithful in the past, he continues to be faithful to those who lean on Him in times of need. I am thankful for the people in my life who have become living testimonies to trusting in His faithfulness as they courageously face the challenges that have been set before them.
