Teacher

God is a teacher--not a grader. The reason He patiently takes us through similar trials over and over again is so that we will learn. His motive is not to frustrate us--and certainly not to fail us--but to teach us who He is and to enable us to discover in our experiences that following Him is the only way to find joy and meaning. As He constantly works in our lives, His purpose is always discipleship--loving discipleship. He views our failures as stepping-stones to maturity--to finding out that the truths we have in our heads are truths that put into practice are the keys to the abundant life. How many times did He "repeat" Himself to His disciples until the circumstances made those truths realities? He doesn't give grades on His tests. Until we learn the lesson, until we know Him more deeply, until we rest in His promises, He patiently gives us all the retakes we need.