Amongst all the craziness...

It has been a busy couple of weeks. Transitioning to the school environment has been a challenge, and I already feel like more is piling on me then what I can handle.

But what is unique about being a student is that everyone is in the same boat. We all have schoolwork, and many of us have other activities or jobs outside of school. We also have our interests and passions, or the things we like to do outside of responsibilities that make us happy and feel relaxed. Life seems to be a balancing act, and the goal is to keep it all together and not topple over.

Although we are all students with responsibilities, the differentiation comes in the way we look at the tasks piled up in front of us – “this is impossible” or “I can do this.”

I have a feeling that through all the craziness, God is teaching us something.

Amongst all the craziness, I know God is there.

He is teaching me how to succeed, and almost more importantly, how to fail.

How to not be a perfectionist.

How to have too much to do, and make the decision – what is most important? What am I willing to sacrifice?

What is actually most important to you?

Whatever you do, do for the glory of God.

But put God’s kingdom first. Do what He wants you to do. Then all those things will also be given to you. So don’t worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~Matthew 6:33-34

Do the best with what is in front of you, and be ok with imperfection.

FAITH

               What is faith?

                              Why is it important?

                                             How do I have faith?

I recently learned that Hebrews 11 and 12 are the “faith” chapters of the Bible. A review of these chapters instigated my personal reflection on this vital attribute – “faith” - which I say I have, but really not sure what that means all the time.

Here are some simple words and key concepts that came out of some reflection…

Faith.

It is not my “religion.”

               It is not a hobby of mine.

                              It is not just something I practice on Sunday mornings.

But it is the way I try to live my life day-to-day – leaning on and trusting in God.

Sometimes I lack it, some days I need it more than others, but it is always there

               even if it is just a small glimpse.

Walk by Faith.

Knowing that He, the Almighty One, has a plan far greater than my own.

               He is in control.

I believe, I trust in the unseen,

               knowing that He is there.

This is hard – to give up everything, to give up your own ways,

               but I am striving to get better.

Just Keep Going.

There will be hurt and hardships – I will endure them (Hebrews 12:7).

Keep going.

Take a step of faith, and then, one by one, I will be running.

               Running the race He has set before me (Hebrews 12:1).

Not giving up, but looking to Jesus (Hebrews 12:2).

With faith and God’s grace, we can do all things He has set before us.

Life update on Sarah: I started my sophomore year of college this week – and I am making one of my goals this year to truly try to live by faith each and every day.