Press On, My Friends

We're now on the 10th week of the semester--6 and a half more to go after today. I cannot say how much I long for the end of this wretched semester to come. This has been the most difficult time I've ever experienced in college...and it's only the second year!

But as I continue to reflect on the past few months, I've been able to develop more patience and trust in God. Truly, this woeful time of school has pushed me emotionally and physically to limits I never thought I possessed. (By the way, eating one meal a day for an entire week may let you lose 10 pounds, but your metabolism is screwed up afterwards.) But in the midst of it all, I have been blessed--even in trying times. It is by His grace and for His glory that I continue to live, knowing that God has more in store for me.

Throughout the semester, I've focused much of my time on verses that pertain to suffering. As I dwell upon them, I am constantly reminded of how these trials and tribulations are catalysts for personal and spiritual growth. I hope that you, too, would be comforted and encouraged.

"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13b-14)

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." (Hebrews 10:36)

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely my goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever." (Psalm 23)

STRUGGLING FOR HIS GREATER PURPOSE

This week was unlike one I had ever experienced in my life. I had never been so anxious, insecure, full of despair, and on the verge of a mental breakdown for nearly 6 days straight. As midterms and loads of homework have begun to accumulate, I find myself distracted in trying to thoroughly understand all the material being thrown in my face. I long for a break. Even as I write, I cannot help but mentally plan for my next homework task.

Though I desire to succeed and do well academically, I've alienated people around me. I haven't attended small group in 3 weeks; I skipped large group this week; I tend to eat by myself because I want to finish reading homework or study before classes... This kind of behavior is contrary to what I've always believed is vital to a Christian's growth. We are to build the body and surround ourselves in this loving community, one that loves and encourages to an unbelievable extent. Yet, I'm almost avoiding that kind of fellowship in efforts to attain my own goals.

As I reflect on the week, the only thing that helped me to persist was knowing that first and foremost, my identity rooted in Christ. This kind of suffering is only temporary. I don't know how long it will last, but I need to endure it well. God would not allow me to experience what I cannot handle. And though I feel like crying all the time because of the stress and pressure around me, I feel comforted in holding onto Psalm 23. Truly, the Lord is gracious and good. In any trial or time of sorrow, his hand is the one to hold. His embrace is more calming than anything on this earth. I long to get out of this mental rut, but in the end, it's all for a greater purpose.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS

It's hard for leaders to make decisions--especially since they will impact an entire church. It's hard for people to make choices--particularly ones that will affect a church's leadership. Either way, decisions, easy or hard, must be made. Voting requires one to be educated about the situation and circumstances... But I wish I knew the whole story, not just tidbits and pieces of information. What happened here? What happened there? Why is there so much controversy and speculation? What's best for the church? What's best for the leadership? What will occur if this is passed or turned down? Who's staying? Who's leaving? Why would he/she do that?

A great deal has transpired within the past three years. I can't necessarily complain or be overjoyed about the things that have happened in this time, but I'm extremely concerned for the future and for the unity of our church. Of course, you take the bad with the good; and for every action, there is a positive or negative reaction. But how many consequences are going to be suffered before there are factions and discrepancies within the church? We all worship the same almighty Father, Lord, and Sovereign. Yet, in terms of leadership, especially in this case, I get the impression that politics and personal interests are the culprit. What kind of agendas are people trying to accomplish...and at who's expense?

I'm not trying to denounce anyone's character or refute motives among the leadership, but I urge my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to ponder the choices you'll be making concerning our church. We want a shepherd that disciples, but we also desire unity among the Christ-body. Regardless of personal opinions, we must each come to a decision in what we feel will best benefit the church. Choices are hard to make and certain issues are difficult to confront, but in the end, it's all about Jesus.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Psalm 117

“Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.
For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.

Praise the LORD.”

CROOKED

Jesus draws straight lines with crooked sticks.

SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL

This weather is a great reminder of how God is the ultimate creator. Mmm. Even though I had four exams this week, to feel the cool breeze and the warmth of the sun definitely brightened my days. Indeed, it's a "happy day, and I thank God for the weather."

Easy Judgment

One picture. That's all it takes to alter perceptions. That's all it takes to make you want to condemn someone for his or her actions. That's all it takes for you to be disappointed. But that's all it takes for you to be worried and concerned.


After viewing a photo of what might seem like harmless fun and socializing, the first thoughts that come to mind are "I thought they knew better" or "Since when do they do that?" I must admit, it's rather difficult for me to be slow to anger and slow to speak...even more to be slow to pass judgment.


It's human nature to want to assume things. But while reading Romans 14, I was humbly reminded to not be so quick to condemn a person for his or her actions.


"You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat." (Romans 14:10)


As much as I would like to judge people after seeing one picture, I should pray for them...that God would break their hearts and help them to realize that the choices they make on the path they take is only temporary. We need to strive for eternity and live only for the sake of Christ. So whether whether we live or die, we do so for the Lord. "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification" (Romans 14:19).

PIECE OF MIND, PEACE IN HEART

Generally, it's hard to be calm in a time of calamity, but the apostle Paul gives me some reassurance:


"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 4:7)


I realize that this semester won't be an easy one. However, I know that regardless of the circumstances, the Lord will be my guide and my comfort. As much as I can complain about any hardship, it is better to ponder how I can overcome adversity. In the process, I will be able to grow in my walk with Christ and experience more of His surpassing grace and blessings.


So, despite all that can and/or will happen this semester and forward, it is the 'peace of God' that will keep me grounded in my faith and trusting in His good, perfect will.