more than just pain,

¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴ If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ¹⁵ If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶ However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. ¹⁷ For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸ And,

   “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
   what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

 ¹⁹ So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

1 Peter 4:12-19

Suffering. We constantly have obstacles we face, whether we like it or not. This past week was definitely not one of my best weeks. Im so glad that i pulled through. I don't know how this upcoming week will be like, but my head is up high and I'm ready to start it off right.

Everyone is always questioning suffering. Why God allows it. Why we have to go through it. As Christians, i've learnt that its a trial for good. God has a greater plan and a lesson to teach us through it. I guess for myself, this week taught me a few things.

First to cry out to God. We talked about this in sunday school today too. When Jonah was in the belly of the fish, it was only when he finally submitted himself to Christ and cried out was when God answered. We often, too often go to friends and others first before God. We should always be going to God first. Last weekend, i was ready to give up, but crying out to God reassured me. Through his Word, through music and worship, and through friends. God hears you. But its when you fully give yourself to him, finally realizing that you cannot do anything more, you're helpless and are in need of a greater power. I think thats a general lesson from suffering. Knowing you can't do it alone and you need the help of Christ.

Also i've learnt about reminders. Watching that video, "I Am God's Original Masterpiece". I've constantly been repeating that to myself, constantly telling myself that I'm not junk. God doesn't make junk. I think in times of tribulation, you need to really listen for God. That video was exactly what i needed to hear to get through the rough patch, it may not necessarily be the same message for you, but there's something out there if you're willing to seek it.

God grants us these pains ultimately for growth and for character. Rejoice in your suffering. (v.13) This is still difficult for many people to understand. How can I be happy that I'm in pain? You're happy because you know that God will nurture you with these trials to strengthen you. Sometimes, i don't know what I'm saying, but i pray to Christ saying "thank you for giving these struggles, i don't know why and what you're trying to teach me but I'm willing to learn."

Don't be ashamed that you're going through these things. (v.16) I've learnt that you are never alone in your struggle. Everyone has their own package of pains and worries, we're just in a world that has adapted to hiding these flaws well because its looked down upon. I can confidently say that I'm going through many trials. I hope that i can use these trials to help others, to inspire others, and inform others that I'm fighting through it, and you shouldn't give up.

Yes, i completely agree. Suffering is hard, its tough, i don't like it, no one does, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. God has reasoning for this. Whether you see it or you don't, learn to put your trust in him knowing that he will give you whats best for you. Let us continue to push forth, committing our lives to Christ, continue to reflect his love and life and doing good. (v.19)

came across this article. take a look!

¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 

broken, fragmented

Easter is fast approaching, and we have to take the time to reflect on our Saviour's sacrifice. Christ was beaten, battered, spat on, speared, cussed at, all the horrible, painful things one could ever imagine. He bore all that for us. He took on the sin of the world, the sin of mankind upon his shoulders and on the cross. WE were the ones that nailed him to that cross.

He was broken for us. But he made us whole.

Without him, our lives have no purpose, because of God he has made me who i am now, with a reason on this earth, with a specific route and plan for my life. He's given me people who i can be accountable with, people who support and love me. To bind us, unifying us, and making us whole. It is through Christ we have come together. Praise God.

As Easter comes along, think about who he went through for us, and what he has done for us by doing so.

²³ For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread ²⁴ and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.”

1 Corinthians 11:23-24

What's Next?

We often take our friends for granted. Who knows what will happen to them. Look at yourself, do you realize how complex and beautiful you are?

Every Sunday and Friday i see my closest friends. And it usually goes like this. HI ____ *hug* talk bout random stuff. Alright i gotta go! See you next week! Bye ___ ! *hug* then leave.

I never really thought of thinking of how long they will live or how long i will live. You never know what's going to happen next. Will there be a next time that you'll see them?

Always be thankful for the people that God gave to you. He put them into your life for a reason. I have a friend who i always get pissed off when i talk to them but i don't know why. Now that i think of it, i realized how much this guy has helped me. Always thank your friends because you never know what's going to happen next. Make every moment memorable.

Phil 1:3 says, "I thank my God every time i remember you."

Walk In It.

Isaiah 31: 20b - 21 says: "he will be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, "This is the way you should go," whether to the right or to the left."

We may sometimes doubt God. I, personally, have done that. I didn't believe that I was walking in the right path. There were so many temptations that i just gave up on God. I didn't know where to walk.

After reading these verses, i realized that no matter how many challenges we face it's all made for a reason. He's planned everything out for us.

He's got his plan and we follow it. He's there no matter what. He's the one that leads us.

For Good.

Many of us find that when we go through struggles and suffering, people may say God is punishing you. I've heard people say that when they're going through stuff, it may be because of what your parents did that has cursed you.

uhhh. no.

That is NOTHING near accurate. Yes, no one enjoys suffering and going through obstacles, but thats life. Not only that, but there is good purpose that comes along with it. God provides and allows these problems to come up in your life for many reasons.

1. To Teach You To Rely/Trust Him - when we go through struggles, many times is something we cant control (or very well at least). From temptations, death, finances, there are many things greater that we cant figure out on our own. Through these trials, we learn to depend on someone greater to get us through it. SNA this year was definitely a BIG push for this, but i dont think i've still fully learnt it and have seen its potential yet.

2. For The Better - Everything happens for a reason. God has a bigger plan in the works. You may not understand, and go ahead question and wonder, but you will eventually find out. God never does things without a reason. He has something bigger behind all of this. It wont backfire, that's for sure.

God knows you. He knows what you want. He knows what you need. Each and everyone of us come with baggage. We're all struggling, and we all have our own issues, but God places these in our lives for a reason. It will be difficult, i promise you that, but have friends to keep you accountable, someone that will watch out for you and keep pushing you through. Its a long, windy road, but with God, anything is possible.