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I Pray That Today’s Pain Will Become Tomorrow’s Blessing
I don’t know what will happen next. I don’t know what’s waiting for me ahead. The pain of the present tries to whisper that tomorrow will be the same. The wounds would try to tempt me to think that there’s no hope left. But for sure, this is only temporary. The time will come when things will be better. But until then, my Lord, this is the cry of my heart: Please give me the reason to believe in your promises. Please teach me how to hold on to my faith. There are just times when I feel so tired and exhausted. I want to quit. And I wanted to…
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Welcome the Suffering
As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, the commander ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. He directed that he be flogged and interrogated in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this. Acts 22: 23-24, NIV This part of the scripture marked the start of Paul’s ministry while in chains. After this moment, he will defend himself to different authorities and will spend the rest of his time as a prisoner. This must’ve been the reason why the other disciples tried to stop him from going to Jerusalem. They were weeping for him. But then…
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When Things Are Hard To Grasp And Too Heavy To Bear
Have you ever gone through that season in your life when it seems like everything is falling apart? The situation you are in is so overwhelming, and it seems like there’s no hope left. It felt like the darkness was trying to consume your heart, and you couldn’t find the light. You felt tired and exhausted. You wanted to rest, but you just can’t find peace. If you are in this season right now, then remember this: You are not alone. God is holding you right now. You may not see His hands because the pain appears bigger than the blessings that He gave, but keep in mind that He…
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Do Not Let Your Heart Envy Sinners
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 23: 17, NIV Sometimes, it’s tempting to envy sinners because it seems like they received more blessings than those who were trying to do what’s right. They looked more comfortable and wealthier while the righteous ones tend to suffer and experience so many challenges. The world somehow respects those people who fail to follow God’s ways. It seemed like they were more fascinated and inspired by those who took the shortcut rather than appreciate those who patiently went through God’s process. It’s weird, but sometimes others adore those who selfishly gained ill-gotten…
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God Is Good No Matter How Painful And Difficult Your Situation Is
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Acts 27:13, NIV This verse is difficult to believe in, especially when I am going through a challenging season in life. I somehow find myself doubting the goodness of God whenever I face unexpected situations that break my heart. When life throws so many overwhelming problems, I often think that God no longer cares about me. But this verse reminds me that God is good no matter how painful and difficult my situation is. I find it amazing that David remained confident in the Lord despite all the challenges He was…
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Walk with Wise People
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20, NIV The people around you will eventually influence you to either become better or worse. If you want to obtain wisdom, then be with wise people. Try to assess your environment right now. Are you growing? Are you learning from other people’s experiences? If your answer is “no,” then keep this verse in mind. It would be very hard for you to make wise decisions if you are surround by people who don’t value growth and learning. You will find yourself struggling and alone if you keep on staying in an environment that neglects…
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Focus On The Mission That God Planted In Your Heart
As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?” “Do you speak Greek?” he replied. “Aren’t you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the wilderness some time ago?” Paul answered, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people.” Acts 21: 37-39, NIV Paul went through persecution, and a commander of the Roman troops tried to stop the crowd from hurting him. At that time, people wanted to kill him because they believed that he was teaching something that…
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When Things Aren’t Easy
The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. Acts 21: 30-31, NIV Paul went to Jerusalem, and people wanted to kill him. But before he arrived there, the Holy Spirit already warned him about the suffering that he would experience. He knew what was waiting for him. But despite all these threats, Paul accepted the truth that things won’t be easy. He embraced his situation and…
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The Fear Of The Lord Is The Beginning Of Wisdom
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10, NIV This verse doesn’t discuss the kind of fear that will kill our souls, but it refers to our sense of awe and reverence for God. It means that we acknowledge and honor God as Holy, pure, and just. In everything we do, we believe with all our heart, mind, and soul that God is sovereign above all. This kind of fear is the beginning of wisdom. When we treat God as powerful and mighty, we will have faith to believe in His ways. And when we believe that He is in the…
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Doing The Will Of God
When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” Acts 21: 12-14, NIV The Holy Spirit already revealed to Paul that he will experience suffering in Jerusalem. This is the reason why the other disciples pleaded him not to go there. But even though it breaks Paul’s heart to see them weep, still…
