Results day: Resting in the God who holds tomorrow

It's a nerve-wracking time for those collecting exam results in the UK.

This summer, my son will return to school to collect his GCSE results. The outcome will shape the next few years of my son's life. Will he pursue A levels? College? An apprenticeship? The decision is now beyond his control.

So much time and effort has gone into achieving his grades. Hours of revision, practice papers and coursework. Will it all be in vain?

It is an anxious time, waiting for the unknown to be revealed.

A unique moment in a culture saturated with messaging of self-autonomy. A healthy reminder for the student that you are not in control.

Any worry that may be had awaiting results day can be settled when you put your trust in Jesus’ words, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14v27).

Jesus first said these words to His disciples, just before their world was to be turned upside down. Yet knowing the peace of Christ, they continued to progress, even under great trial and adversity.

If you are a Christian, you can have this same peace on results day. Not a mere superficial peace that the world offers you, that at best distracts the mind with leisure and entertainment. The peace that Jesus gives will allow you to face the reality of results day without fear, trusting that whatever the outcome, it is all part of His plan for your life.

The peace that Jesus uniquely offers comes through reconciliation with God, who is sovereign and works all things out for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8v28).

Whether you achieve beyond expectation or fall below what you desired, if your hope is in Jesus, you have nothing to fear. He is the author of creation, and your salvation is secured.