Showing posts with label peace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label peace. Show all posts

Friday, February 15, 2013

Lent Day 3: It's Not Impossible


“Come to Me with all your weaknesses: physical, emotional, and spiritual.  Rest in the comfort of My Presence, remembering that nothing is impossible with Me. Pry your mind away from your problems so you can focus your attention on Me.  Recall that I am able to do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine. Instead of trying to direct Me to do this and that, seek to attune yourself to what I am already doing.  When anxiety attempts to wedge its way into your thoughts, remind yourself that I and your Shepherd.  The bottom line is that I am taking care of you; therefore, you needn’t be afraid of anything.  Rather than trying to maintain control over your life, abandon yourself to My will.  Though this may feel frightening – even dangerous, the safest place to be is in My will.”
- Excerpt from Jesus Calling 

“And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.”
- Philippians 1:6 (AMP)

“For no word from God will ever fail.”
- Luke 1:37 (TNIV)

One year ago yesterday, I found out that I had failed two exams in medical school on the same day.  I was quite seriously ready to quit because of the toll that school was taking on me mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and sometimes even physically.  I was tired of being tired and feeling like a failure.  It wasn’t worth it to me to constantly stress myself out and not have the results that I wanted.  I thought getting through medical school was nearly impossible. 

That same night in the midst of tears, someone reminded me of Philippians 1:6.  God is the one who began this work in me.  He is the One who called me to medicine as ministry.  He will bring me through and complete what He started. 

That same person also reminded that Plan B is not an option (some of you from WPHC may remember discussing this in Sunday School).  Plan B would be settling for less than what God has planned for my life.  Plan B would mean not choosing to follow Him fully and, therefore, not walking forward into God’s calling.  By choosing Plan B, I would be missing out on some amazing blessings waiting for me. 

After that conversation, I chose to keep pursuing Plan A for my life.  I’m not saying that everything was a piece of cake after that, but my perspective did start changing.  Focusing more on God allowed me to see and hear more clearly from Him.  It is a process, but it does get easier to lean on Him instead of myself.  Yes, I still lose focus sometimes and stress out much more than necessary, but through it all, I know that God is with me.  He has proven Himself time and time again and will continue to do so.  He is always faithful, present, and perfect.  He has also blessed me with an amazing mother, incredible boyfriend, and priceless friends who endlessly encourage me.  I am forever thankful for them. 

It is exam weekend yet again.  Both the first-year and second-year classes have block exams on Monday.  To all of the students: take your stress, your problems, everything to God.  Let Him overflow you with His Peace.  Let Him take control.  He will bring you through.  Don’t allow the fear or anxiety take over you. 

His strength is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Remember, nothing is impossible with God. 

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Lent Day 2: Perfect Love

“This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.  And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.  If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.  And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.  God is love.  Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.  This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.  There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
- 1 John 4:13-18 (TNIV)

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.”
- 2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP)


Yes, it is Valentine’s Day; but that is not the reason for this topic.  Today, I have been struggling with fear concerning a couple different things.  I sat in the midst of roughly 150 people today letting “what ifs” run through my head and paralyze me with fear.  It was a miserable feeling, almost to the point of inner panic.  It was nothing to really even concern myself with right now, but I still allowed it to greatly affect me. 



This afternoon when I was preparing to write this blog, 1 John 4 popped in my head. God is love . . . perfect love drives out fear.  God can handle any situation or circumstance much better than I ever could.  He is not the one who gave me the fear.  His Spirit is one of peace, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).  Once I was reminded of how perfect and amazing God is, the fear began to subside.  My scattered thoughts were calmed, and peace began to take place of the fear.  In other words, God’s Spirit was allowed to infiltrate my mind.
I know God is in perfect control of everything; all I need to do is put it in His hands.  Sometimes that is easier said than done, as I in my human nature think that I am the one who should be in control.  I am still learning (which I hope to continue doing) how to fully trust God in everything and let Him fight my battles.  As I follow Him, He teaches me more about His Spirit.  After all, He lives in me.  That means that His Spirit is also in me . . . and that includes His perfect love that casts out fear.
Today was a much-needed reminder that there is nothing and no one greater than God.  I have no reason to fear because God is for me, and He loves me. 

 
His love is perfect.  He is Love.  He is the one who casts out fear.  He is in me. 
Since His Spirit is in me, I can cast out fear too.
It’s only logical. (And it's pretty awesome!)