For students up and down the land, today is the day. Will all the work of the last year or two have been worth it? Did I achieve what I set out to achieve? Is that place at university or college secure? Is my future on track? Will my parents be proud? Or will life begin to unravel in disappointment and confusion about what happens next?
Here at The Good Book Company we're an eclectic bunch. Some sailed through A'levels with straight As and went up to an Oxbridge university. Others found A'levels a hard hurdle to overcome. We're all doing OK though - one happy family, serving Jesus with a range of results on our CVs. So what thoughts can we pass on to the students finding out their results today? Here are a few thoughts ...
Helen: Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15) - A'levels may not have been the original context for this verse but I think it applies anyway. Let's stand alongside our brothers and sisters today.
Dex: Remember that your relationship with the Lord is worth far more than A*s.
Dean: Don't get carried away - in either direction. If your results are great, keep your feet on the ground and thank God for your grades. If you're disappointed, don't give up - keep persevering - he still has good works planned in advance for you to do.
Alison: Your results may or may not impact what you plan to do and where you plan to go but they wont mess up your relationship with Jesus. Your place in the New Creation is secure - not because of what you have achieved but because of what Christ has achieved.
Andre: Whatever situation you find yourself in today, start there and keep moving forward conscious that God is good and God is sovereign.
Anne: In eternity - even in 10 years time - no-one is going to be talking about your A'level results. Keep today in the big picture of God's plans and purposes.
Alex: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28) - what greater comfort and encouragement is there than that?
Helen Thorne is Director of Training and Resources at Biblical Counselling UK. She formerly worked with the London City Mission and has written Hope in an Anxious World, Purity Is Possible, Walking with Domestic Abuse Sufferers and 5 Things to Pray for Your City. She attends Dundonald Church in Raynes Park, London.