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)