Trusting in the Storms of Life

As I have been living the college life, I have realized how easy it is to put your confidence in yourself, or other people, or even circumstances and not on the One who is the only real confidence. I have really been struggling recently with contentment and realizing that I can't do anything of my own strength. I get really frustrated when things don't go as I have planned them out. I realized today through the student body, that my joy has not been full. I try to fill myself up with joy. . . .you can probably guess how well that went. When left to myself, friendships crumble, joy is barely there, it becomes a "grin and bear it" philosophy. Yesterday, God finally broke me. I was at work and I just poured my heart out to Him. I'm so glad for that passage of Scripture that says that Christ understands those groanings that cannot even be uttered. I gave all my cares and worries to Him. I gave my life back to Him (after pulling it back for the umpteenth time). And the words to a song popped into my head.


Still my soul be still
And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow

Chorus:
God You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone

Still my soul be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows
Hold onto His ways
With shield of faith
Against temptations flaming arrows

Still my soul be still
Do not forsake
The Truth you learned in the beginning
Wait upon the Lord
And hope will rise
As stars appear when day is dimming

If you really meditate on these words and let the truth of them sink in, you shouldn't have dry eyes, and your heart should be a puddle of goo. He DIED for me. Not only did He die for me, He CONQUERED DEATH for my sake. Living Gallery on campus was such a blessing. It made me realize that He is God. And no petty little circumstances or "bumps" in my road are a hindrance to Him. He will finish the work He started in me almost 16 years ago. My willingness to listen just makes it easier. Even if friends leave me and I'm "alone" humanly speaking, my Father is my very Best Friend and cares for me more than any human could anyways! Do I love Him enough to appreciate this every day? In the past I wouldn't have been able to say yes truthfully. But He still loves me. He will always be there. Like Mary said to Peter in the production tonight, "He is still alive, there is still hope!" He isn't finished with me yet. And why should I worry? He's holding my hand all the way. He's got me under His precious wings. I need to stop fighting, and just be still. . . .and know HE is God.

Love As I Loved

Hey all! I haven't gotten on here in a while. . . .Every time I remember to, I don't have enough time! *Sigh* Así es la vida, verdad? I'm doing okay, just super busy! But I'm positive that all of you are as well. . . .

I thought I'd just share something that is on my heart tonight. I know that this topic is something that I am struggling with, so if you are as well, I hope this helps. You know those people that just rub you the wrong way? Those people that you don't want to love because they don't love you? Those people that you just know are thinking mean things about you? Well I have realized that my response to those people is wrong. Sure, I know the right thing is to love them and be civil and cordial with them. But is it really? I mean, those things are all well and good, but is that really what Christ commands? I have come to realize that what He asks of me is so much harder, but so much better. When I see those people, smiling and being civil is not enough. Letting the anger and frustration seethe just below the surface is wrong. Even if you think (or know) that you are in the right. A friend of mine put it this way. Did Christ just smile and be civil with people He didn't like (that He came to die for)? No, He CHOSE to love the unlovable, even in His heart. He didn't let anger fester or control Him. He saw the person as they really were (warts and all), and somehow, still loved them even when no one could see what He was thinking or feeling. . . . . . . *sigh* I'll never be there. But I have to try. I can't let anger control my opinion of them or my actions towards them. As much as I'd love the chance to let them know how much hurt they cause, I choose to do the opposite. I will love them. I will see them as Christ sees them, souls worth dying for. I will choose to not only be civil and smile, but to love them even when no one seems to be watching. The song Love As I Loved comes to mind.


When our Lord was speaking to the crowd, a beggar came
Who fell down before Christ and  called out His name.
The disciples quickly came,
And they turned the man away,
Till they saw the Lord's compassion
And they heard the Savior say:

Love as I loved,
Give as I gave;
These are the people that I came to save.
Love as I loved, and I will shine through.
Let others see My love in you.

Yesterday my time was filled with vain and empty things,
And I was so busy with all that life brings.
People crowded in my way,
But I pushed them all away they were just a senseless bother
Till I heard the Savior say:


Love as I loved,
Give as I gave;
These are the people that I came to save.
Love as I loved, and I will shine through.
Let others see My love in you.

This is my constant prayer. It is an uphill battle, but any of you who know me, know that I don't like to lose. So I will fight until there's nothing left to fight. I will strive to be as loving as I can possibly be toward "those" people, as well as the people that are easy to love. If you see me struggling, help! I can't do it of my own strength, and I need to be reminded of that fact.

Well, I could say more, but I'm exhausted. I'll see you guys around! TTYL!
Rebekah

A Willing Vessel

Hey all! Wow, I haven't been on in a while, I guess that's what school does to one. I'm sooo busy. How have y'all been? I've got a cold, but at least it's not the flu. :)

God's been teaching me a lot over the past weeks. I realize how far I am from where I need to be, and for a perfectionist like me, it's very discouraging. But God gives grace. He's showing me things I already knew. But sometimes you have to hear things over and over until it finally sinks in. He's showing me that it's not what I do that makes me a Christian. It's what His Son did for me. I often try to impress God by showing Him what I can do for Him. That's not what He wants. He just wants a willing vessel that He can work in and through. Well, I guess I'm done. :) hope you all have a great weekend. :) and GO GREEN THUNDER. :D