We'll Get Through This

God's providence for the church was evident in history.The church experienced the dark times. It may be a long journey for them but somehow they got through it with God's help. Every circumstance in life is not from God, like the bad things and the sins we commit because of our stupid decisions, they are not from God but God allowed it to happen. You see, God is in control of everything. He allows things to happen for a reason, be it for learning or consequences.
Every single day, we encounter difficulties and discouraging people or circumstances. They are just inevitable. Our response matters on how we deal with those everyday battles.
Looking back to history, they are examples of how God was faithful to them in times of great distress. Our God is still the same God yesterday and forever. Remembering the past is not that bad unless it's for negative purposes. The past can encourage, remind and push us to trust God and remember His goodness and sovereignty. Go back to the past through the Scriptures. 

Forgiveness

Jesus commanded us to forgive many times, He told Peter to forgive the erring brother not just seven times but seventy times seven times. Forgiveness is very difficult to give, we just though we forgave but when the same problem arises, we become bitter. We can only know that we have forgiven if we disregard the past mistakes they've done.
Emperor Julian was named as the Apostate for he hated God and Christians. It was more difficult for him to forgive the sons of his guardians for murdering his family because of possible rivalry to the throne. The anger started towards the specific people who killed, then developed to the Christians for the murderers claimed to be Christians, then to God whom the Christians believed in.
The same is true to us. When we choose not to forgive, it will just grow bigger and it imprisons us, making us do foolish things because of our raging anger. I really thought that I was able to forgive easily in the past but i was just actually denying my anger and pain. That made me apathetic, like everything is neutral, I did not know what's the happiest and saddest time of my life was until I attended the counselling class. Forgiveness really is not just saying you forgive them but putting it in action, do good to them in spite the hurtful words or things they did. I chose that, I chose to be kind to the person who hurt me through her words and actions. I chose to love her though I get disappointed and feel down and upset.

Proud to be a CHRISTian

Defending our faith can be very challenging, especially defending it from our friends who knew our dark sides because you were together doing stupid things in the past. they may see your change but they will never forget the foolish things you've done. They don't understand sanctification.
My friends are not that worst. They acknowledged my changes and somehow understand my faith because we've discussed some topics about the Bible. But they think that to change their religion is bad. Thank God I've told them that religion does not matter, faith does. But I still have to elaborate that tradition should be put aside and start reading the truth from the Bible.
My challenge is to intentionally sit down, open the Bible, share God's word to my friends. I love them so much but I'm afraid they'll shut me out when I directly tell them about God's love for them. I realized that God's message of salvation is more important than any ties in this world. If I really love then, then I should tell them intentionally whether they 'll shut me out or accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Persecuted But Not Crushed

I have experienced being laughed at by my friends because I'm different. We used to do things together, we drank alcohol, stroll around the town until dawn, and got acquainted with bad people. I was a professing Christian then. they knew my faith but I was like them, I conformed. I was not different, my integrity was ruined, I was talked about negatively.
One time, I was away from my friends because I had to pursue my studies in a Bible school. God had led me to BTC for His great purpose though I thought I was not sure with my decision of coming here yet. I finished my freshman year and went back to my hometown. I did not notice any change in me but I became uninterested with alcohol. I chose not to drink and stroll around for long hours. I liked it more when I stay at home.
They told me I'm different. they started calling me a pastor, a nun, holy one, and other religious-related teases. At first I was hurt because I did not like to be called that way. But they kept on blatantly telling me those labels to my face. I just kept silent. Then I realized, maybe I am now living differently, really. They saw the light in me that I am truly different from them. I should not feel bad about it but feel happy that I am living my faith out. This can be an instrument for them to know and get curious with what I believe in. they are actually asking some questions and thank God I was able to answer them. I just pray that they will continue to see the light in me and I will be able to really talk to them about Jesus, that they will not divert the topic just like what they usually do.