Life seems to throw a lot of curve balls. Suffering, loneliness, trials, pressures, grief, loss and brokenness seem to come with the package. Whenever we experience any heartache, suffering and pain, it's likely that God is trying to teach us something. Sometimes I get so caught up with jus focusing on my problems that i miss seeing what God may be doing in the midst of it.
We all have insecurities, scars, and sins we struggle with. But this is exactly why God died for us. God calls us to repentance. We all have our handful of mistakes and failures. There's things we shouldn't have said or should've said. But God is a God of grace and patience. Eventually there's something in all of us that seeks something greater than what this world can offer. There's a turning point where we get sick of our sin, and like the prodigal son, we start the process of returning home to our Father. He graciously forgives us, welcomes us back in fellowship and invites us to find rest in Him. From there His love begins to transform us, and His Spirit leads us to pursue holiness.
Easter is coming up, and it's a good reminder to reflect on how Jesus died for our sins. His blood purchased our freedom. If it wasn't for Jesus we would all rot in eternity for our sins. We don't really understand our depravity and how much wrath our sins deserve. Without God intervening there would be absolutely no hope and no salvation. Do we really trust that Christ's sacrifice was worthy of taking all the wrath our sins deserve? He calls us to respond in faith. He calls us to take up our cross daily and to follow him. Sometimes we jus forget and undermine the importance of God's saving grace. Apart from Him, there is no other way, truth or life.
I think it's interesting that the bible really isn't about JUST going to heaven, avoiding hell, forgiveness of sins, or about christian teachings. The main prize isn't the perks of following Jesus. The main prize is Jesus himself. Our King died so we could be with him and enjoy him. Sometimes we pray for things from God, rather than God himself. Sometimes we reduce Christianity into a religion where we just go to church on some Sundays. God is so much more than listening to a song and hearing a sermon. There's something unexplainable, indescribable, and supernatural when one simply finds rest in God. What would our lives look like if the main goal and focus in life was to be in an intimate relationship with God? What would our life look like if we completely surrendered our will to God? He gave it all for us, we should give our all back because he is worthy of all praise.
God really does test our faith when life tries to gank us. How will we respond to difficulties and frustrations when they come knocking at the door? There's obviously a lot of pain and suffering that we'll experience in this life. But God's grace is sufficient to deliver us. He is a God who heals and comforts us in our time of need. He is the only one who can truly offer us peace.
I'm still working on the virtues of contentment and gratitude. I'm learning to rejoice in God even when things aren't the exactly the way i'd hope for. God is sovereign and in control. Sometimes we just want to jump ahead to something better, whether it be a school, a job, a relationship, or other circumstance. If we're honest with ourselves, we're discontent about a lot of things. But God puts us exactly where we need to be. It's a process. Even when it feels like we're falling. We might be falling upward. Meaning that trials and the Lord's discipline is meant to strengthen us.
Lately, a lot of things seem to come down to trust. If i really believe God works ALL things for the good of those who love him, then shouldn't I trust that He knows better than i do? God specifically targets areas in our life where there is distrust, and calls us to step outside of our comfort zone to grow. The future often seems like a mystery. But with faith, we can trust that everything will be okay.
We all know that God loves us. But have u ever had those brief moments where you can actually feel and sense the great love of God? Sometimes it's as fast as a clap, where ur able to feel the heartbeat of God. Sometimes it's while you're resting, through the soft breeze of the wind, through the sun shining, through a child's laughter, or through something almost unnoticeable. God speaks to us in many different ways if we listen carefully. What would it be like spending time with God was our greatest desire and love?
Unrequited love is basically when someone doesn't love someone back. This is how God often feels when we chase after idols. He's a jealous God, and knows that He's the best thing for us. How can he love people who constantly reject him daily? Even when we hated God, God still loved us. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. God's love is completely unconditional, his grace isn't fair. He gives us what we don't deserve. He loves us cuz that's who He is. Even if someone hates you, respond in love. Even if someone irritates you, respond in love. Even if someone sins against you, respond in love. Why? Because God first loved us. He calls us to embody this love towards others.
I've been recently reminded that I want to invest my life into what I believe is important. God, church, family, and friends. If we go through this life without loving others, we completely miss the point and our purpose. Life really is short. And most days we pass on opportunities to reach out to people. It's good to have personal resolves and to have individual devotion time with God. But I believe God has called us to grow in community as well.
I recently met some brothers through a church ive been going to. It's kinda hard being the new guy in a sea of people who already know each other well. But i got connected into a men's grace group where u basically share your highs, lows, thoughts and feelings. It's something i've really missed. People who help people, also need help. Having a support group where ur there to help each other out. We're not meant to do this christianity thing alone.What would it be like to have a group of people you support as they support you as well? Wouldn't our lives flourish greater if we had people who encouraged us in our walk of faith?
Another lesson that kinda hit me lately is that ministry can be done anywhere. Ministry is not bound by four church walls. God reminded me to do ministry wherever i'm at. I'm trying to see my work at this school as a place of ministry as well. I also don't need a paid position in order to do ministry. In fact, i'm wondering if i even have the right intentions with pursuing a job position at church. Perhaps it's best to serve unconditionally, so we don't rob the glory from God. My point is that, wherever there's people, there's an opportunity for ministry, encouragement, love and prayer. I realized that when i'm so concerned with my own troubles and issues i don't radiate any joy towards others. If people know i want to do ministry, and yet see me looking unsocial and unfriendly, then i'm really being a bad witness.
I went to help a homeless outreach thing at a park. They played a worship song and then passed out some food. There was one guy who seemed a little left out, and was kinda jus hovering around. So i tried to strike up a conversation with him. Sometimes i have a hard time initially approaching people i don't know. But I sensed God leading me to talk to this guy. And he shared his story about how he's been to prison a few times and used to live under a bridge for 2 years. He recently found work, but has a history of going back to drugs, alcohol, and stealing.
Even though I was trying to minister to him, I felt God was also ministering to me at the same time. God calls us to have a heart for others. And i guess i'm usually too self centered to really care or reach out to people. But i learned that a 15 minute conversation of listening to someone's story can really make a huge impact. At the end of our conversation i prayed with him, and called him a friend and brother. Sometimes it just takes an once of courage to reach out to those hurting. It seems our job is to simply surrender, and God just does the rest. When's the last time you truly prayed for someone? When's the last time that you actually prayed with someone? We underestimate the power of prayer, and the power of our God.
Sometimes i find my security and significance in the wrong things. my pride gets in the way. I try to impress others, make myself presentable in appearance, or jus try to get attention and recognition. Do you ever find yourself trying to earn the attention from others? Deep down we all want to be accepted and approved of. We want to belong. But sometimes we put on a facade, or mask to front who we really are. We put our identity and happiness in what we do, in a relationship or who our friends see us as. Rather, our identity should be in Christ. We should clothe ourselves with Christ, instead of trying to place our value in other things. Ultimately our joy and satisfaction need to be rooted in Christ. I guess it's one thing to know that, and another thing to practice and apply that.
God please have your way with me. I surrender. Deepen my trust in you.
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