-
God’s Ways Are Different
I may have my own plans, but God’s will must prevail. His ways may sometimes be unpredictable, but his plans are better than my plans, and He sees things differently. These are the truths that I need to slowly accept, especially when I encounter situations that are out of my control. This may be hard to fathom, but what helped me the most was simply reminding myself about who God is. He moves in ways I can’t always see. His hands are there, but they’re not always visible. That’s why I need to constantly remind myself that God is doing miracles behind the scenes despite the troubles and challenges I…
-
Paul Went Through Many Challenges, But He Never Gave Up
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Acts 16:22-23, NIV When Paul cast out the evil spirit inside a woman, a group of people complained and attacked them because their hope of making money was gone. Because of this, Paul and Silas were beaten with rods and severely flogged. Aside from that, they were also thrown into prison. Indeed, doing God’s will was not smooth and comfortable, especially in Paul’s life. There were instances when…
-
When Hope Seems So Hard To Find
Have you ever felt so lost and broken inside? Have you ever felt like there’s no way out? The tunnel you were in was so dark that you couldn’t find any light. Your heart is longing for relief, and deep inside, you are hoping to find some space to just breathe. You felt hopeless, and it seems like help is out of reach. If you are in this difficult situation right now, then remind yourself about this important truth: God will never leave you behind. You are not alone in this season. You may think that no one cares for you, but the truth is that God loves you so…
-
He Chose To Pray And Kept His Faith Despite What He Experienced
To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit. Psalms 28:1-2, NIV Every time David was in despair, he would call upon the name of the Lord and remind himself that He was his rock. He believed with all his heart that God would be his source of strength, stability, and foundation. Even though he went through difficulties in life, he knew that he could count on God. He chose to pray and kept his faith despite what he experienced. His life may not have been…
-
Sometimes, What We Need Is A Humble Heart To Accept What God Allowed To Happen
Life is unpredictable. Even though there will be instances when we need to face the consequences of our choices, there will still be moments when God allows certain things to happen. And it’s not that He wants to punish or condemn us; it’s just that His ways are higher than our ways. This is the reason why we badly need to have a humble heart to accept the things that God allows us to experience. Acceptance is not easy, especially when you have a different expectation in mind. It takes a heart willing to trust in God’s plans. It takes faith to believe that even though what’s happening is the…
-
It’s God Who Will Open The Hearts Of His People
One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. Acts 16:14, NIV As Paul preached about the good news in Macedonia, a woman named Lydia was listening to them. Acts 16:14 states that “the Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” This is an important reminder for all of us. We may excellently deliver the gospel, and people may preach God’s word by using effective methods, but at the end of the day, it’s God who will open the hearts of His…
-
The Hard Truths About Confrontation
It hurts. If you are the type of person who is not used to share your feelings, it feels so awkward and uncomfortable at first. It takes so much courage. It feels like you are trying to peel off all your excuses and deal with what is truly on the inside. It’s like facing a giant that you can’t see. Confronting someone is not easy. It takes a genuine and a vulnerable heart to do it. Part of you can’t help but ask if you said the right words, or perhaps you hurt someone you love because of the things you just expressed. Sometimes, you will find yourself just staring…
-
Cry Out To God
But you, Sovereign Lord, help me for your name’s sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. Psalm 109:21-22, NIV David cried out for God’s help, not out of his own righteousness. He didn’t asked God to bless him because he tried to do the right thing, or he chose to show kindness to others. Instead, he knew that God is sovereign, faithful and good. He didn’t boast on the things that He did. He simply reminded himself who God is. At times, we may find ourselves asking for God’s help, perhaps by recounting the…
-
The Gifts of Pain
Nobody wants to experience pain in life. Most of us want to protect our hearts from it. But even though it’s not easy to deal with it, there are beautiful gifts behind every wound. 1. Pain will teach us important lessons in life. Sometimes, we need to experience it so that our eyes will be opened to the things we ignore. Perhaps God had already given us warnings all along the way, but then we chose to follow our own understanding. That’s why, we end up hurting. At some point, we need to humbly receive the consequences of our decisions so that we will learn. 2. Pain will keep us…
-
God Has Great Plans For Paul Despite The Redirections That He Received
During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:9-10, NIV Before this vision, Paul received a series of redirections. God convicted him not to enter certain places because He had greater plans in mind. Instead of answering Paul’s desire to preach the word of God in the province of Asia, God led them to Macedonia, a province lying in the north of Greece, where the churches in…
