PREPARING FOR EXAMINATION

 I just completed my American Board of Family Medicine Examination. It is the most significant test of my adult life. Here is how I prepared for it:

Over the recent few months I completed 150 hours of Continuing Medical Education hours as well as the knowledge based units covering pediatrics, women's care, diabetes, hypertension, musculoskeletal disorders, and health maintenance.

I asked my Rooted sisters and my Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) sisters to pray for me, along with close friends and family, I asked for their prayers. Dozens of people prayed for me.

The night before the exam I went to sleep early and I slept deeply and well. I performed my morning routine. I wrote in my journal while enjoying my first cup of tea. My Scripture reading was from Judges 3, the story of Gideon, who through the power of the Holy Spirit defeated an army of thousands with 300 men. Then I read about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who were challenged to worship an image or be thrown into a fiery furnace. They said no. When they were thrown into the furnace they were not only unharmed there was another in the fire who protected them from harm.

I left early for the hour long drive to the testing center. I was the first to arrive, even before the doors were opened. I went for a walk and took in the fall leaves and brisk wind.

In the testing center I went through the routine and began part one of four sections of the test. First unit I completed with 36 minutes left. I reviewed every question and there was still time left, which I took as my first break.

The second unit went the same way as the first one with time left over and complete review of the questions. I went out for lunch to Cheesecake Factory. I had Shepherd's Pie and 2 glasses of iced tea.

The third and fourth units went similarly. I hit "finish the test" and answered "yes, I'm sure", then I was done. It was finished.

Here is the thing: I was not afraid or nervous. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. I am thankful that I have passed my Board Exam and I now have doors opened to me that were not before. No, I have not been notified of the results. I am confident in the Holy Spirit that it is done.