Two Important Tests

Elin was trying to concentrate on her math lesson when her mother appeared in the doorway of her room. "How's the homework coming?" Mom asked.Elin shrugged. "We're having a test tomorrow, and I'm afraid I won't pass it. I can't seem to study." She let out a big sigh. "Since Dad went to rehab, my mind is always somewhere else."Mom came in and put her arm around Elin. "I understand, honey. I miss him too."Elin slammed her book shut. "Mom, why didn't God answer our prayers? Didn't we pray enough? Is it our fault Dad kept getting worse and had to go to rehab?""No, El, it's not our fault at all. We did all we could to help him," Mom assured her. "I don't know why God allowed things to happen the way they did, but I know He loves your dad and can heal him and help him change. At least now he's on the right track to getting better. Let's continue to pray for Dad and for each other--God answers prayer, but in His own time and in His own way."Elin's eyes filled with tears. "But what about us now? Doesn't God care about us?""Oh, Elin, the same God who loved us so much that He gave His Son to die for us loves us just as much now as ever. I know it's hard, but just like we trusted Jesus to save us from our sin, we can trust Him to take care of us now. He can give us peace--He's the only one who can do that. Do you remember the verse you learned in church last week?"Elin nodded. "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." "It looks like you have two tests to pass right now," Mom said as she smoothed Elin's hair back from her face. "One is your math test, and the other is remembering God's promise to care for you, even when things are hard. With God's help, I'm confident you can manage both.""Okay," said Elin. "I'll try to remember how much God cares for me." She smiled and opened her math book. "I think I can study now." –Marie Shropshire