Because at the end of the day, isn't that really the point - that we grow in the midst of abundance and trials, joy and tribulations, to become more like Christ?
...
"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails."
- 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8
Every time I re-read that passage in Corinthians, something else stands out and speaks directly to my spirit.
But.. knowing Papa, that shouldn't surprise me by now.
"For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and the intents of the heart."
- Hebrews 4:12
..
The end of the year (not to mention annual leave) is always a time for reflection - to ponder on the year gone by, lessons learnt and those yet to be learnt, and to consider new resolutions for the coming year.
One of the big changes in my life this past year was being in a committed relationship. Yes, there have been many moments of bliss, sunshine and magic, but perhaps the most rewarding experience in this has been the process of sanctification that Papa has been gently bringing me on. To learn to love the way He does - patiently, generously, selflessly and completely; to cheerfully give despite what I may or may not get in return; to forgive daily the way Papa does and to accept forgiveness too - these are lessons that I am still learning, but have felt so very enriched by.
I love that I serve a God who leads by example, a God who is Love and gives me such good instruction that I may truly flourish in His sight. I know I can be patient, because that's what Papa does for me every day as He waits for me to grow.
Freely I have received and now freely I must give.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart,
Try me and know my anxieties,
And see if there is any wicked way within me,
And lead me in the way everlasting."
- Psalm 139:23-24
So shape me O Papa God I pray, mold my heart to be more like Yours. Teach me to deal with the naughties in my heart and to learn to live life the way You do - freely, and lightly. May I continue to lean in close and watch how You do it. I know there are days I will falter Daddy God, days where I will fail to reflect Your grace in every area of my life, but don't give up on me I pray. Don't stop speaking to me personally Papa, and I pray that these words would always, always be noticeably true in my life - Kau hadir di setiap langkahku. Thank You Papa for Your grace, for loving me so much that I am able to love others too, for growing me, teaching me, and for believing in me the way You do. How could I ever thank You enough. All this I pray in Jesus name, AMEN.
...
"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails."
- 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8
Every time I re-read that passage in Corinthians, something else stands out and speaks directly to my spirit.
But.. knowing Papa, that shouldn't surprise me by now.
"For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and the intents of the heart."
- Hebrews 4:12
..
The end of the year (not to mention annual leave) is always a time for reflection - to ponder on the year gone by, lessons learnt and those yet to be learnt, and to consider new resolutions for the coming year.
One of the big changes in my life this past year was being in a committed relationship. Yes, there have been many moments of bliss, sunshine and magic, but perhaps the most rewarding experience in this has been the process of sanctification that Papa has been gently bringing me on. To learn to love the way He does - patiently, generously, selflessly and completely; to cheerfully give despite what I may or may not get in return; to forgive daily the way Papa does and to accept forgiveness too - these are lessons that I am still learning, but have felt so very enriched by.
I love that I serve a God who leads by example, a God who is Love and gives me such good instruction that I may truly flourish in His sight. I know I can be patient, because that's what Papa does for me every day as He waits for me to grow.
Freely I have received and now freely I must give.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart,
Try me and know my anxieties,
And see if there is any wicked way within me,
And lead me in the way everlasting."
- Psalm 139:23-24
So shape me O Papa God I pray, mold my heart to be more like Yours. Teach me to deal with the naughties in my heart and to learn to live life the way You do - freely, and lightly. May I continue to lean in close and watch how You do it. I know there are days I will falter Daddy God, days where I will fail to reflect Your grace in every area of my life, but don't give up on me I pray. Don't stop speaking to me personally Papa, and I pray that these words would always, always be noticeably true in my life - Kau hadir di setiap langkahku. Thank You Papa for Your grace, for loving me so much that I am able to love others too, for growing me, teaching me, and for believing in me the way You do. How could I ever thank You enough. All this I pray in Jesus name, AMEN.
