As yet another semester begins I am set to reflect where God has brought me in these past weeks and months. Break was a time of turmoil, joy, excitement, pain, and so much growth; and, I know that this semester is bound to similar in so many ways.
As I drove to school at the latest possible moment on Sunday evening, I was forced to ponder and honestly wonder at where I will be when i look back at the semester that lies ahead in May. I know that when I trust in God alone, only beautiful things can happen.
Now, I am not saying that this semester will be easier than the last, but rather that I am going to be different. I will be different because my faith will be my stronghold. I will not depend on the world around me to give me any kind of hope, strength, or freedom from anything, but rather I will look to God in all things...in all circumstances.
Philippians 4:10-14 says, "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that once again you renewed your care for me.You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him[b] who strengthens me. Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship" (HCSB).
Paul wrote this at a time when he had every right to be upset with the circumstances that he was in; yet, he was nothing but joyful because he knew that God was in complete control of every moment. I want to live in the same way. Not in order to make anything easier, but to make my life glorifying to God in every way.
This semester, I will focus on where God is putting me. This means that I must be open to everything that He is going to do or ever wants to do in my life. I am ready to follow Him with an open heart and open hands. No matter what.
