I passed the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification test on my first try today. I am elated at the opportunity to serve others with more breadth and depth in the HR field, as I focus on consulting, coaching and facilitation work along with the communications services I provide to various clients.

The journey to pass the test was a bit arduous. I registered near the deadline, and then borrowed a colleague’s used, three-year-old study materials. I didn’t take the course that was recommended. I haven’t spent much time working with benefits, compensation or labor law—the bulk of the test—being mostly an organizational development kind of guy. I heard from others in my field that hardly anyone passes it the first time.

That just made me more determined.

For most of the past four months I pushed my writing aside—and even took a healthy break from Facebook and Twitter—in order to focus on the exam content. Most things that are worth having are hard to get, and require some sacrifice.

But I sit here tonight, relieved and grateful yet trying to keep my “victory” in perspective. Truly, there are many who have achieved more and worked much harder. There are countless more who suffer greatly each day and night, and who would love to experience the luxury of the opportunity to study for a test in order to advance professionally.

During the past four months there were several times where I elevated this test well beyond what it needed to be, almost made an idol out of it. As my evening winds down, I simply feel humbled, a bit unworthy, marveling again at the grace of God constantly proving its tenacity in my life.

I’ve been tested in many other ways. I haven’t always passed or persevered.

I reflect tonight on the tests through which Jesus persevered. Worn out, hungry, thirsty in the desert, tempted to revoke his identity and charter. A combination of hostility and apathy in the face of his teaching. Betrayed, left alone, tortured at the hands of the Romans while separated from his Father. And victorious in the end, his life offered for my life and his life within my life, far more intertwined and significant than benefits, compensation and labor law.

I’m resolved to be available to bear the Fruit of his Spirit, so that I might pass through far more arduous tests. I have a hunch there are going to be more in the days, months and years to come.