The Test of Free Time Summary and Analysis

Jim graduates with highest honors and heads west with his parents. His immediate plans are to spend the next three months helping his brother build his house, but beyond that, he doesn't have clear direction as to what God wants him to do. It leaves him with "mingled feelings of 'not belonging' and of thanksgiving for all God's grace these past four years. God, preserve me from living a life which conforms to the general pattern." (p. 103)

The Lord places Jim in Portland for a year where he helps in the assembly. Through the process, God prepares his soul through his concentrated study of the Word while physically he helps with things like painting. While working side-by-side painting with his dad, they talk about preparing for the Lord's work. The non-conformist theme of...