Another semester has come and
still, as always, no one knows what will happen for four months starting today, 5th
of August, year 2015. Emotions such as fear lingers deep inside for some
students, excitement to those who loves to take risks no matter what follows after and
who loves a roller-coaster-like academic experience. For almost 4 years now
coming across my college life and having my friends figured out that, every
littlehitch always weighs up to fear. Fear of diversity, and of many things. For
which each of us (I am definitely sure) is familiar with that four-letter word,
always coming and going.
But
we are never alone, I believe. Paul, one of Jesus’ disciples has gone through
the same as much as we do. In Acts 27 where Luke (another disciple of Jesus)
was speaking about Paul’s trouble, Paul represents the purpose of God and the
voice of God yet here he is, struggling.
So,
I want to share to you some insights Pastor Steven Furtick ministered as Paul
learned to look at the brighter side of life along the way, hoping that it will
come true and alive to you as well. I really pray that you will live through
these realizations and somehow will change you, for the better version of you.
#1 Be
steered by the Spirit, not by your senses.
In
your difficulties, God will warn you but will never
ever create worry within you. Reality is, your feelings cannot forecast
the future. Luke has even spoken “For several days we could not see either the
sun or the stars. A strong wind kept blowing and we finally gave up all hope of
being saved” (Acts 27:20 CEV). They were driven along--from despair to
depression. Yes, some of your fears are based on regrets. Yet you need not have
to live on them. Keep in mind that the Spirit is already in you.
#2
Fix your focus and keep up your courage.
While
Acts 27:22 displays a good news and a bad news—“But now I beg you to
cheer up because you will be safe...”, hence choose to believe that you’re going
to make it. Do not focus on the storm
but focus on the future that God has promised you. Acts 27:25 conceals an
essence of faith teaching you to separate up your courage from your condition.
Your courage is under your control. Don’t feed your fears. Your life is in His
hands.
Understand
that fears’ greatest hit are WHAT IFS. The question is, would God get you
through it? I expect even when the worst case
scenario plays out; God will be there when something breaks. Even if it
does, God would be there at the bottom supporting you. I dare you to count on
the One who made the wind and the waves. When the
enemy has plans to take you out, God always has plans to take you in. Your
faith should be in “how will it happen”.
Meanwhile,
Acts 28 encourages us to shake the snake (that fear sneaking) and feed the
fire!
If God brought you this far, the
same God who got you up to this point, if you’ll shake it off and don’t let it
stop you, through many dangers, toils and snares, He has already come. It was
grace that brought you safe thus far and grace will lead you home.
Instead of letting fear takes a place
in you, have a gear of your own. A gear that will equip you and repel your
fall—that is, living in the flesh with the Word of God, fellow students! May
our faithful God bless you for a fruitful, unique and exciting semester!
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