-
The Gift Of Being Vulnerable To The Right People
We all want to feel connected to other people. We are highly relational and social beings. We have a deep desire to be with people who will make us feel safe. It takes a vulnerable heart to do this. That’s why, the moment we learn to express what’s in our hearts to the right people, that’s when we feel so connected to them. Being vulnerable is not that bad. We may have negative experiences in the past that led us to build walls that protected ourselves, but our lives won’t be that fulfilling if we don’t learn to connect to others. We just need to find the right people who…
-
How We Respond To Our Struggles Will Become An Important Message To The People Around Us
The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Acts 16: 29-30, NIV While Paul and Silas were in prison, they didn’t respond violently to the people who persecuted them. Instead, they chose to worship God even while suffering. The prisoners even heard them worshipping in the darkness. Suddenly, there was an earthquake, and the prison doors were opened. Their chains came loose, and it could’ve been the perfect time for them to escape. At that moment, the jailer woke up, and when he saw that the prison doors were…
-
A Hurt That Doesn’t Harm
I was reading Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend’s book called “Boundaries,” and I stumbled upon this realization that hurt and harm are different. He mentioned about a story of a man who was having a hard time setting his boundaries simply because he didn’t understand the difference between hurt and harm. And personally, I can relate to what the man felt. There are instances when I find it hard to set my boundaries towards other people or even to those I love simply because I was afraid to hurt them. I was so scared to tell them what I truly feel because it might break their hearts. Sometimes,…
-
Compelled By Love
Paul and Silas worshipped God in the prison when a violent earthquake happened. The prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. If they had been so focused on getting out of their cell, they could’ve freely escaped and saved themselves. But then, they didn’t do it. When the jailer woke up, he realized that Paul and the other prisoners chose to stay. And Paul even said to the man not to harm himself. Because of this act, I can say that Paul and Silas didn’t worship God because they needed something from Him. If they had this motive inside, then they could’ve treated the circumstance as God’s way…
-
Moments When I Forget About His Love
Honestly, I’m still learning how to treat Jesus as my everything. Even though I already treated Him as my personal Savior and tried to connect to Him every single day, there were still instances when I chose to follow my selfish desires. There are still moments when I forget about His love. And it’s those days when I’m in pain and struggling. When problems try to consume my mind, that’s when I usually forget about His goodness in my life. That’s why, up until now, I’m still wondering what it truly feels like to genuinely follow Him. When I read the Bible, I learned about those people who chose to…
-
Worship In The Midst Of Suffering
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. Acts 16: 25:26, NIV Paul and Silas were suffering in prison when they experienced a supernatural move from God. In the midst of discomfort and darkness, they chose to pray and worship God. They didn’t focus on the negative things that they went through. Instead, they set their eyes on Him and chose to praise Him. What they did became a source…
-
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…
