Some people seem to breeze through tests.

I wasn’t one of them.

I was a hardworking student. I studied diligently, completed my assignments, and genuinely wanted to learn. But whenever an important exam came along, something happened inside me.

I still remember sitting in the testing room for my teacher certification exam. The room was cold, yet my hands were clammy. My heart raced as I stared at the questions in front of me. It wasn’t because I hadn’t prepared. It was because my anxiety had convinced me I was going to fail.

 

And I did.

I had to take the exam a second time.

Between tests, my brother tutored me. He helped strengthen the areas where I was weak, but he also helped me realize something I couldn’t see for myself.

I wasn’t incapable.

I had test anxiety.

Those are two very different things.

I had the ability to become a teacher. I simply had to learn how to get through the test standing between me and the calling God had placed on my life.

Recently, I’ve watched several people I love wrestle with high-stakes exams. They study faithfully, yet one disappointing score leaves them wondering if they’ll ever reach their goals.

As I listened to their fears, I recognized something familiar.

The test wasn’t the greatest obstacle.

The voice inside their heads was.

“Maybe I’m not smart enough.”

“Maybe I’ll never pass.”

“Maybe this isn’t what God has for me.”

The truth is, most of us aren’t facing certification exams today. But we all face tests.

Maybe yours is a struggling marriage, financial uncertainty, a health challenge, or a dream that isn’t unfolding the way you hoped.

Mine feels a little different these days.

I’ve poured my heart into my podcast and homeschool coaching business. When growth feels painfully slow, I can hear that same little girl voice whisper,

“You’re not good enough.”

“Nobody wants to hear what you have to say.”

The test has changed.

The voice hasn’t.

But God has been gently reminding me that not every thought deserves to be believed. Scripture tells us to “take every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5). I’ve come to realize that’s because some thoughts are rooted in fear, while others are rooted in truth.

So now, when fear begins to speak, I’m learning to answer it with God’s Word.

Fear says, “You’ll never make it.”

God says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Fear says, “You’re not enough.”

God says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Fear says, “This setback defines you.”

God says, “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it.” (Philippians 1:6)

I’m still learning this lesson.

Some days I believe the little girl voice longer than I should.

But I’m becoming quicker at recognizing whose voice it is—and whose voice it isn’t.

Maybe you’re facing a test today.

It may not come with multiple-choice questions or a passing score.

Whatever stands between you and the next step God is calling you to take, remember this:

The voice of fear doesn’t get the final word.

God does.

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I’m Erika Sagert, and I’m delighted to be a guest contributor on Shirley’s blog. Thanks so much for having me!

Erika Sagert believes some of life’s best lessons are learned in ordinary moments—whether pulling weeds in the garden, leading a team through challenges, or encouraging another homeschool parent. She is the co-founder and Executive Director of Hope Learning Center and the host of The Intentional Homeschooler Podcast. Erika enjoys sharing practical encouragement rooted in faith and helping others move from feeling overwhelmed to living with greater purpose. She lives in Battle Ground, Washington with her husband and loves gardening, projects around the house, hiking, and spending time with her four grown children.

 

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