The students shifted nervously at their desks as the exam papers were distributed. For weeks they had faithfully attended class, completed assignments, studied their textbook and memorized data. And now the day of reckoning was at hand. They were going to be tested on what they had learned.

"Are there any questions before the test begins?" the teacher asked. There were none.

"There will be no talking while the exam is in progress," the teacher continued. "You may now open your examination booklet."

There was a rustling of paper as the students began to look through the test questions. It was a most difficult exam. If one hadn't applied himself to diligent study, he was certainly going to be in trouble. A quick scanning of the many problems contained in the booklet revealed that the exam covered nearly every aspect of the year's studies.

Meanwhile the teacher sat at his desk, occasionally glancing up and observing the students. There was silence in the classroom with only the sound of pencils moving across exam papers being heard. Everyone was concentrating on the test.

Although the teacher was right there overseeing the pupils, he did not help them with the exam. Even though the teacher knew the answers to all the questions on the test (for he was the one who had put the exam together), yet he did not reveal them to the class. He gave no answers nor did he offer any help during the exam.

For weeks and months the teacher had been patiently instructing the class, imparting wisdom and knowledge to them. He had drilled them on all the necessary information so that when the examination time came the students would be fully prepared. During this period of instruction, the teacher was always ready with an answer or an explanation for anyone who came seeking his help. He had made himself available to discuss the subjects the students were learning and was there to help them in their preparation.

But during the examination, the teacher was silent. He could not come to their assistance in the time of testing. He was present with them, but each student had to take the test for himself. Because you see, if the teacher gave them the answers, it wouldn't really be a test.

In the school of the Holy Spirit there are also times of testing when the Great Teacher seems to be very silent. Yet we can be assured that God is always there watching over us as we are examined on our application of spiritual principles. Sometimes we don't understand why God doesn't give us the answers when we cry out for help as we go through testing and trials in our lives. We expect the Lord to solve all our problems for us and fill in all the blank spaces. We go to him in prayer seeking solutions and the heavens seem as brass. Then we get angry with God for not racing to our side with the answers to our many problems.

But patiently the Lord has instructed us in the great truths of the kingdom and every now and then He gives us the opportunity to examine ourselves to see if we are growing in our faith. And if we have truly studied to show ourselves approved, we need never fear the silence of testing. All the answers are in the Book and the Teacher is with us always.