Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification here we come! The kids are back in school and I, Jonathan, am hard at work studying for a series of 3 certification exams that will help me in my role with the NTM USA IT Department. As we realized that our family needed more time, stability and healing before returning to Senegal, the Lord opened the door for me to serve in ministry with the NTM USA IT Department as a Systems Administrator. When in comes to the area of computers there is always plenty to learn and we in agreement with our leadership believe that further training will help me in this ministry as well as being a wise investment for future ministry opportunities. I have been watching training videos online, reading, taking practice exams…rinse and repeat. 🙂
I took my 1st of 3 certification exams October 15th… and didn’t quite make it. I scored 682 and the cut off point is 700, which was a disappointment to say the least. A huge thank you to all of you who prayed for my exam and who took the time to send me notes of encouragement upon receiving the news that I had failed the exam. I am back at it hard studying and preparing, working at filling in the gaps as well as preparing for the other two exams. I love computers and technology, however this has been a challenge to get a grasp on TONS of new information. Please pray for me to be persistent and press into this challenging task!
Prayer
- I am quite discouraged about this news.
- Wisdom in how to prepare for the next time around with this exam and the next 2 exams
- Good time management and focus in my studies
Praise
- When I purchased my exam registration I got a 15% discount for purchasing all 3 exams at once
- I purchased them under a free second shot option which means the next go around with this exam is paid
- I will have opportunity to hone my skills even more in order to be a better System Administrator in the end
- An opportunity to trust the Lord and get up again after a failure and move on
- A chance to experience God’s unconditional love, which seems to mean more to me when I have failed
- A wonderful support team who took time to write me encouraging words
Mike Frans says
Jonathan, the Lord will honor your faithfulness in all of this. May you be assured that He does not waste anything in our lives…He recycles everything! You are working hard on several fronts, and faithfulness in each arena will bear fruit as you continue to abide in Him. Simply running the race He has set before us makes Him smile. Thanks for your model of endurance and your can-do spirit!
His encouragement to you from Him…and from all of us!
Greg & Linda says
We are praying for you in your studies Jonathan. You will do this we know. The first time was just for practice, and we believe you will nail it this next time. Thank the Lord you purchased with an option for a free second exam. We are praying for your entire family as well.
Blessings to you all
Bob Russell says
Our Lord is most likely developing in you both patience and perseverance.
Two skills not likely to be taught “on line” or from a DVD , CD, or book course. But those two skills are needed to solve really difficult IT problems. Don’t worry God is in control. He will take care of you and meet all your needs
Chris Schweitzer says
Jonathan,
Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Access the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit to build patience and perseverence.
Remember failure is an opportunity to begin again more intelligently.
Thomas Edison failed over 100 time before his invention, the light bulb was a success.
Grace and Peace be wtih you,
Chris