"...through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:2-4
I cannot begin to imagine how life would be like without the loving, ever-present, and faithful God.
One thing that makes me choose to stay optimistic in the midst of pressing challenges is the fact that I know God sees everything- my feelings, thoughts, and intentions. There are really times when life seems too hard to bear. There are times when I get to ask myself, "what are these challenges for? I don't think these are necessary, Lord." Considering my very limited view of the "bigger picture"- that which is God's purpose of allowing certain situations to happen, I easily get carried away. Every time I feel like no one seems to care and that everyone seems to be insensitive, I feel very resentful. Most of the time, instead of looking at the situation objectively, my emotions get in the way crowding my head with negativity, and so I end up taking things against other people. More often than not, I terribly feel like a victim. Such an ugly truth that is actually only brought about by my own selfishness.
As I strive to grow in my intimate walk with the Lord, I realized how my own thoughts, if unguarded, can be very destructive both to myself and my relationships. These "ungodly" thoughts have the power to steal the peace and joy that God desires for me to experience every waking moment of my life. I call them "ungodly" thoughts because in my heart, I know they are not from God. When God gave up His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins, He did not promise life to be a bed of roses. In fact, life is going to be even more harder, but harder in a sense that we become better persons in the process, molding us into becoming the person God wants us to be. It helps so much when you make a deliberate effort to spend quite time with the Lord. In my experience, it is where I feel God's overwhelming grace. It is where I am humbled by my shortcomings and lifted up by His love at the same time, no matter how many times I fail him every day. I just can't trade this intimate soul-enriching moments with the Lord with anything. Clearly, without God and His presence in my life, I will be a complete mess. It is my prayer that God will continue to recalibrate my heart for His glory. I pray to be steadfast when challenges come my way, and be faithful when disappointment willfully present itself. And most importantly, I pray that God Himself will help me to love others more, in spite of these realities.
As I strive to grow in my intimate walk with the Lord, I realized how my own thoughts, if unguarded, can be very destructive both to myself and my relationships. These "ungodly" thoughts have the power to steal the peace and joy that God desires for me to experience every waking moment of my life. I call them "ungodly" thoughts because in my heart, I know they are not from God. When God gave up His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins, He did not promise life to be a bed of roses. In fact, life is going to be even more harder, but harder in a sense that we become better persons in the process, molding us into becoming the person God wants us to be. It helps so much when you make a deliberate effort to spend quite time with the Lord. In my experience, it is where I feel God's overwhelming grace. It is where I am humbled by my shortcomings and lifted up by His love at the same time, no matter how many times I fail him every day. I just can't trade this intimate soul-enriching moments with the Lord with anything. Clearly, without God and His presence in my life, I will be a complete mess. It is my prayer that God will continue to recalibrate my heart for His glory. I pray to be steadfast when challenges come my way, and be faithful when disappointment willfully present itself. And most importantly, I pray that God Himself will help me to love others more, in spite of these realities.
So now, instead of focusing on what cannot be controlled, I better shift the focus on God's goodness and sovereignty. Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." So no matter how ugly I feel inside, I can rest in the assurance that God allows things to happen for a reason. Not to hurt or discourage me, but to make me be the best version of myself, because He loves me! Instead of focusing on the uncontrollable circumstances, I better focus controlling myself. The truth is, I don't have the power to control other people's thoughts and actions. I can only control my own thoughts and actions. I learned that If I really want to please God, I must do my very best to live peacefully with others. And to do that, I should learn to die to myself to my selfishness and love others as best as I can because that is what I am commanded to do by my Father who reigns in Heaven, the place where I will happily be, when my life here on earth ends.
To love others is easier said than done. But be steadfast in faith for the reward is eternal life in heaven. I am still a work in progress. With God's amazing grace and inspiration every day, I can do this! Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through God who gives me strength."
Be blessed! All glory to God!
To love others is easier said than done. But be steadfast in faith for the reward is eternal life in heaven. I am still a work in progress. With God's amazing grace and inspiration every day, I can do this! Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through God who gives me strength."
Be blessed! All glory to God!
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