The Story of Cactus Flower

And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good……… Genesis 1-31

A cactus stood all alone in the desert, wondering why it was stuck in the middle of nowhere. “I do nothing but stand here all day,” it sighed. “What use am I? I’m the ugliest plant in the desert. My spines are thick and prickly, my leaves are rubbery and tough, and my skin is thick and bumpy. I can’t offer shade or juicy fruit to any passing traveler. I don’t see that I’m any use at all.” All it did was stand in the sun day after day, growing taller and fatter.

Its spines grew longer and its leaves tougher and it swelled here and there until it was lumpy and lopsided all over. It truly was strange- looking. “I wish I could do something useful,” it sighed. By day, hawks circled high overhead. “What can I do with my life?” the cactus called. Whether they heard or not, the hawks sailed away. At night the moon floated into the sky and cast its pale glow on the desert floor. “What good can I do with my life?” the cactus called.

The moon only stared coldly as it mounted its course. A lizard crawled by, leaving a little trail in the sand with its tail. “What worthy deed can I do?” the cactus called. “You?” the lizard laughed, pausing a moment. “Worthy deed? Why, you can’t do anything! The hawks circle way overhead, tracing delicate patterns for us all to admire.

The moon hangs high like a lantern at night, so we can see our ways home to our loved ones. Even I, the lowly lizard, have something to do. I decorate the sands with these beautiful brushstrokes as I pull my tail along. By you? You do nothing but get uglier every day.” And so it went on, year after year.

At last the cactus grew old, and it knew its time was short. “Oh, Lord,” it cried out, “I’ve wondered so long, and I’ve tried so hard. Forgive me if I’ve failed to find something worthy to do. I fear that now it’s too late.”

But just then the cactus felt a strange stirring and unfolding, and it knew a surge of joy that erased all despair. At its very tip, like a sudden crown, a glorious flower suddenly opened in bloom. Never had the desert known such a blossom. Its fragrance perfumed the air far and wide and brought happiness to all passing by. The butterflies paused to admire its beauty, and that night even the moon smiled when it rose to find such a treasure. The cactus heard a voice. “You have waited long,” the Lord said. “The heart that seeks to do well reflects My glory, and will always bring something worthwhile to the world, something in which all can rejoice – even if for only a moment.”

In this life we often feel worthless.  Feel there is nothing useful to do. But this story tells us, God already has a plan in our life and all of God’s creation is a feasible and worthwhile. Sometimes we think like that cactus. But if we truly believe that God already had a plan for our lives, although initially seems useless In accordance with God’s time everything will look worthwhile. There is nothing useless and worthless in GOD.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

 Photo credit: pickstopin.com

 

A Letter From Mom & Dad

 

I strongly believe that this post has been read by millions of readers in the internet. But I think it is still worth to us to read it again. This is a depiction of how great the parents’ love to their children and it is a reminder to us to always honor and love our parents. Few days ago my Mom gave me a big picture with the title “A letter from Mom and Dad.” It picture contained with these beautiful words and makes my tears dropped. Mom and Dad, thank you for this beautiful reminder. I really love you so much.

My dear child,

When I grow old, I hope you understand and have patience with me. In case, I break a plate, or spill soup on the table because I’m losing my eye sight. I hope you don’t yell at me. Older people are sensitive, always having self-pity when you yell.

When my hearing gets worse and I can’t hear what you’re saying. I hope you don’t call me, “Deaf.” Please repeat what you said, or write it down. I’m sorry, my child. I’m getting older.

When my knees get weaker, I hope you have the patience to help me get up. Like how I used to help you while you were little, learning to walk. Please bear with me.

When I keep repeating myself like a broken record, I hope you just keep listening to me. Please don’t make fun of me or get sick of listening to me. Do you remember when you were little and wanted a balloon? You repeated yourself over and over, until you got what you wanted.

Please also pardon my smell. I smell like an old person. Please don’t force me to shower. My body is weak. Old people get sick easily when they’re cold. I hope I don’t gross you out.
Do you remember when you were little? I used to chase you around because you didn’t want to shower.

I hope you can be patient with me, when I’m always cranky. It’s all part of getting old.
You’ll understand when you’re older and if you have spare time, I hope we can talk, even for a few minutes. I’m always by myself all the time, and have no one to talk to. I know you’re busy with work. Even if you’re not interested with my stories, please have time for me. Do you remember when you were little? I used to listen to your stories about your teddy bear.

When the time comes and I get bedridden, I hope you have the patience to take care of me.
I’m sorry. If I wet the bed or make a mess. I hope you have the patience to take care of me during the last few moments of my life. I’m not going to last much longer, anyway when the time of my death comes, “I hope you hold my hand and give me the strength to face death and don’t worry.
When I finally meet our God in the heaven ………………..I’ll whisper in His ear ………………….. “Please bless my child”. because you loved your mom and dad.
Thank you so much for your We love you… With much love

Mom & Dad

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3

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Facing The Difficulties

 

I never get bored talking about the firmness faith in the face of all the difficulties of life. I hope the readers will also not get bored reading it. Almost every day I receive an email from many friends and others those talks about the life’s problem that increasingly difficult day by day.

Why do we have to experiencing suffering and hard times? It may be a question of most people, including among believers as well. There are many among us who have wrong concept and think that following Jesus means totally free from suffering and difficulties. That’s why there are people who have their own motivations for worship. It is not wrong to ask God’s help, and God Himself promises so many blessings, miracles and He help to anyone who cries out to Him in Christ. But we cannot deny that somehow there are times where we have to go through difficult situations, full of painful thorns. Whether God like to torture us any time?  Of course not like that. God is never pleased to see His children suffered. If He pleased, He did not bother to sacrifice His Son, to ensure our salvation.

When we are facing so many difficult situation and should experiencing suffering and hard times, let’s take a look at how the pressures faced by believers who can be so terrible in many parts of the world. Repressive forms even of torture to assassination experienced some of us from time to time.  Furthermore, we can see there are so many great figures in the Bible who experienced terrible suffering. I am not quite sure the suffering that we experience today is as daunting as they were suffering at the time. Let we take a look to James.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Whether James was in good condition when writing this? No. He had seen with his own eyes how terrible persecution and cruel tortures to death meted out to the people who maintain their faith in Christ, including also himself. James proved his obedience even unto death. We see James murdered by Herod orders with a sword.”He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.” (Acts 12:2) But the fact, from James we can see the call of God about how we should address the various trials. James urges all believers to face all trials and tests with joy, faith and optimisms. James just as we are, never expect the hard times, but he reminds us not to lose a handle and keep addressing the difficult conditions with a joyful heart attitude.

Why? Because in the tough times, whether it relates to financial difficulties, physical and psychological health problems, relationships, careers or jobs, education, etc, when we deal with it all by faith ,then it becomes a great opportunity for us to be able to be humans with the mature and adult spiritual. Any testing that we face will produce perseverance and will bear the ripe fruit. That is why it is important for us to respond properly the difficult situations that are present in our lives. Above all of it, we must know that in such any circumstances God never leaves us.  Faithfully He continued to be with us, even in the darkest circumstances. Psalm said, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”(Psalm 23:4)  No matter how serious the problems we face, the consolation of God always provided for us.

There is a time for everything in this world. The Bible declares it; there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) includes “a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” (Verse 4) At the moment we are faced with a time to weep and mourn, it does not mean God is torturing us. At a time like that, indeed we can learn a lot about life. There are many benefits that will be very useful for our future that will be in vain if we miss out only with complaints, excessive self-pity or despair. There is an opportunity to have a more mature spiritually when we are allowed to be in an uncomfortable situation. While we still are in a very difficult situation, remains thankful and let God continue to fill your heart with true joy, so when that the time to laugh and dance comes we will be picking the ripe fruit later. We also should to remember God’s promise to us, “blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

So my dear brother and sister in Christ, by persevering in a difficult situation and filled with trials, the problem of life is getting tough day by day; we will be crowned by crown of life. Persevere and endure when we are facing difficult situation is not easy. Not as easy as flipping a newspaper page. But if we always rely on the power of God, put our faith and trust in the presence of God, there will always incredible strength that allows us to endure. Take every problems, difficulties, and trials into our prayer. Ask the Lord so that we are always given the strength, wisdom, unwavering faith, and give thanks in all circumstances. Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5. Amen.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; Isaiah 43:2-3

Karina – Living by Faith

Photo credit: biopoliticaltimes.org

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Arise, O Woman of God

Rise up, O woman of God
In what He has given you,
The things God has laid on your heart,
Rise up, go forth, and do

Unlock what God has placed within,
The potential you have inside
The world is waiting for your release
To expand your wings and fly

Arise in your God-given gifts
For this is your finest hour
Arise in the Lord’s holy might,
Ignited and empowered

For God is calling you to come forth
To impact this world for Him,
Don’t hold back or limit yourself
Let His power arise within

 And take His message to the world
To those that have lost their way,
For you can surely make a difference
If you’d hear His voice and obey

You shall be strengthened in the Lord
As you begin to arise,
Conquering those doubts that pull you down
And believe who you are in Christ

For you shall surely be transformed
As, in you, God increases more
And become a woman of true excellence
Bringing honor to her Lord.

M.S.Lowndes

Photo credit: Google Images.

Let All The Earth Be Silent Before Him

 

The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him. Habakkuk 2:20

Been this month I go deep into the book of Habakkuk. Like from another Bible figures, I learned so much about faith from Habakkuk. This is the second post based on the book of Habakkuk. The first is Feet like the Feet of a Deer. As usual I try to relate it to our daily lives.

“O Lord, How long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear!”(Habakkuk 1:2) This is was Habakkuk’s cry when evil was rampant in the land of Israel. He size up that God was doing nothing. What was done by Habakkuk at the time was not much different from what we usually do at this time. I don’t know how many times we complain to God when there are so many problems and afflictions in our lives. When we cannot see evidence of God at work, or are puzzled by the unfolding His providences, often times we tend to draw the wrong conclusions and we start complain to God.

“Lord, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, you will never die. You, Lord, have appointed them to execute judgment; you, my Rock, have ordained them to punish. Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?” (Habakkuk 1:12-13) This is the Habakkuk’s second complaint. He did not understand why God the Holy One could keep silence to see the wicked to destroy His people.

There is important thing that we can learn from Habakkuk. Even though he was complaining and do not understand and also have limitation to be able to dive into God’s plan, he’s still waiting for God’s answer to his complaint. “I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.” (Habakkuk 2:1) This means that Habakkuk still rely on the God’s power and, and he believed that God would doing something.

Finally he became satisfied that God is sovereign and that all should bow before Him. “The Lord is in His Holy Temple” this is comforting and reassuring us. Maybe we faced so many things that make us confused, worry and fear; we face so many problems and affliction but we should to remember that the Lord is in His Holy Temple and He is still reigning. Every problem and affliction that comes to our lives is under His control. If we know that everything is under His control, why we should to complain?  “Let all the earth keep silence before Him” Knowing God has a purpose in our problems and trials gives us hope. Indeed, by our problems and afflictions we will be made more holy, more like Christ, and God will reveal to us more of Himself.

At the end of the book of Habakkuk, we saw how great his faith. Habakkuk’s faith is a faith that is not shaken by any situation, even in his lack of understanding of God’s decision he is still faithful. When he prays, he ended his prayer with firm faith. He said, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” (Habakkuk 3:17-19) Take a look at a form of faith that even in a state of crisis, stress, fear, threat seems terrible, still able to make Habakkuk joy and rejoice in the Lord. Habakkuk attitude is based on faith fully surrender to God’s decision. Despite his situation will probably continue to be more severe, but his faith in God does not waver. He still rejoices in the God who saves, and it all happened because he made God ​​as a source of his strength.

My lovely friends, Is there this day we are shaken by the difficulties facing an increasingly difficult situation?  Whether our faith began to waver due to pressures that continue to hit us, increasing the difficulties of life, problems that do not have a way out?  Do not be discouraged. We can learn from Habakkuk. Have firm faith like Habakkuk. Totally believe in the Lord with all our heart. God is able to equip us to be able to face all the problems, all the uncertainties in life, because God is the source of our strength. Have a strong faith as a basis in our life.  Do not ever rely on our own strength. We must remember that the existence of God is always faithful to accompany us with His unlimited power; His strength was never under the control of the difficulties we face. Everything is in His control. Let we keep silence before Him. Amen.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. Habakkuk 3:19

Karina – Living by Faith

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Between Two Choices

This post was inspired by my blog friend from Indonesia. Few days ago she shared her problem in choosing. She was in the intersection and had to choose which one is best for her future. The point is she was confronted by two choices. Keep doing her current job with the consequences of the assured financial condition or doing another job which according from her heart calling but with the consequences of uncertain future and financial condition. She was very anxious about it.

Life is full of choice? Yes! That is right. Every day and every moment in this life, we are always faced with a choice. This is a problem because sometimes run into difficulties when it comes to choosing from the many offered. Make a choice between two things would be easier if both options are available equally well. But if we had to choose two things which contain the risks, it would be very difficult.

The Lord said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, “Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west. Genesis 13:14

At first glance, this verse does not seem related to the choosing, but this paragraph is a precept by which we accept God’s answer in choosing and deciding something. “After Lot separated from Abram, the Lord …” This means that before Abram parting with Lot, the Lord has not spoken to him. Why is that? Whereas before the Lord himself who called Abram to leave his country and promised a better country. Abram took a right decision, which is more closely to follow what the Lord says. But when Abram leaves his country and follow the commandments of the LORD, he brought Lot (Lot is a picture of the flesh or lust).

We are called to be followers of Christ and respond with the right decision to follow Him. However, there are few people who follow Christ still bring their flesh and lust. So when faced with the choices in this life, we are forcing the Lord so that He answer what we ask to Him. Whereas the position is still in our flesh, the Lord will not answer what we ask to Him. Why? The above verse clearly says that after Abram parted with Lot, then the Lord spoke, and gave His instructions. So, before asking the Lord for to take a decision, have we left a life of our flesh and lust?

Heart calls or God’s calls? I don’t know exactly what kind of my friend’s heart calls. Follow our heart call is good. But we should consider and think whether it calls according with God’s will or there are elements of the flesh and lust in our hearts calls. Because making a choice which based on lust with choices based on the will of the Lord is the opposite. Because if every time the Lord answered and provide the best choice, if we are still alive within our flesh and lust, surely we would follow the flesh and not on what the Lord says. Calls of the heart which does not in accordance with God’s will would become calls in accordance with our selfishness. The important thing is not which one should we choose, but the most important is when determining a choice, have we actually parted with our flesh?

In determining a choice, we should not be selfish. For the Lord said to wherever or whatever we choose, it’s all going to be given to us and our descendants. “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”Deuteronomy 30:19. So in choosing, we should also remember our abilities. Appropriate or not with our own existing capabilities. The other thing to remember when making decisions is after looking around (not selfish), we should ask for blessings sufficiently. However, this is often forgotten.

What if we’ve made ​​the choice, apparently God has a better choice than what we have chosen?  Let we take a look a while to Paul’s story.  In the decision making process Paul can still be missed (not in the context of good or evil). In taking the decision, Paul has looked around and makes a choice to go preach the gospel to Asia. But there he was rejected, and then go to Galatia, Phrygia, and Misia, but even there he was rejected. The decisions taken by Paul is correct (because he went to preach), but Lord knows there is a right place for Paul, which is in Macedonia. That is why the Lord directs Paul to Macedonia. (Acts 16: 6-10)

We need to know that the Lord will never make us regret, because God has many ways to change or improve things, including our decision that not appropriate for us. So do not be afraid to make decisions when we are already separated by “Lot”. Even if one day we make decisions that were not appropriate, the Lord will lead us to the better choice.

If the choices we make are not based on flesh, aim to glorify God, are not rely on our own strength and wisdom, and according to God’s will, then what we choose or decide it will give you satisfaction. And if it is not a perfect choice, Our Lord will make it perfect for us, as He did to Paul. Amen.

Karina

I dedicate this post to my sister in Christ Sella Irene. http://sellairene.wordpress.com

Related article: Never A Blind Fate by KrizSummer

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Dear Child

What such a surprise for me! A few days ago my fiancé returned from a business trip from America and he bought me a pearl necklace. When I opened it necklace’s box there is a letter. When I read it, I can’t hold my tears. I am moved and crying. The letter is not a love letter from my fiancé but it was more than the love letter. This evening I would like share it to all of you. Here’s the letter.

Dear child,

I just wanted to remind you today of how beautiful you are because there is a father of lies who will try to deceive you. He will try to tell you that you are not good enough, not attractive enough, not thin enough, not strong enough, not smart enough, not righteous enough, and that you are simply unimportant to Me.

He will try to tell you that you have broken one too many promises, that you have fallen one too many times, that you have lived one too many lies, and that you’ve been going in the wrong direction so long that it is pointless to turn back now. But guess what? You do not belong to him. He is not your father. I am. You see, you are My creation. You are My workmanship. You have been borne of My thought, every part of you placed together by My hands.

You have My thumbprint upon you. You are a princess, did you know that? You are My child, the daughter of THE King! I look at you and see a precious, priceless pearl. There is no ocean I would not swim, no mountain I would not climb, and no price I would not pay to have you and to be with you and call you my own. I already have. I have done all that I could, given all that there is. I desire to be with you every moment of every day.

 How I longs for you to talk to Me every day. My love for you never grows cold. My promises are never broken (contrary to what he might lead you to believe). My character never changes. And you, my daughter have been made in My image. I love you dearly, unconditionally and completely.

 I understand every emotion that you have. I’ve been there. I count every tear that you cry. I know every hair on your head. And do you know what? I even know your weaknesses and your failures and your fears. I know those hidden parts of you that you wish would go away. Those dark corners of your world that you stuff deep down, praying that no one will ever see. I have already seen them and they will not change my love for you. Nothing will. I love your heart and I desire all of it. I just wanted to remind you today of how beautiful you are and how precious you are to Me.

 With Immeasurable Love, Your Heavenly Father

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentation 3:22-23

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32 (Bible verse suggestion from nightlightblogdotcom.wordpress.com)

Heaven inspirations

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Answering God’s Call

 

“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” (Jonah 1:2)

This about God’s calling. Not all of us will give a good response when God call us to do something.  Often times we tend to run away and avoid from god’s calling with various reasons. Fulfilling God’s calling means should get out from our comfort zone and must be ready to experience difficult time included with all risks in it.

One day, because for some reasons I can’t attended an invitation from a social foundation. Then I ask my secretary to represent me and also on my behalf give a short speech in its event. What is her reaction? He was shocked and although she not significantly refuses but there is a tendency that she did not want to do what I asked. I knew from her eyes that she wanted to say,” if I could, I do not want to go there. Supposing that I could refuse this task” My secretary story is quite different with Jonah’s story. But both have the same point, trying to resisting the call of duty. My secretary was not running away from my order but let’s take a look to Jonah.

When God asked Jonah go to Nineveh, he refused and prepared to flee to Tarshish. But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. (Jonah 1:3.) Jonah thought, by fleeing to Tarshish it all matters will to be completed.  Escaping is obviously not an option. It will bring very severe consequences. And it’s true. Eventually disaster happens. Very severe storm occurred and the ship that boarded by Jonah nearly break up. Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. (Jonah 1:4) And we all know that the storm become calmer after Jonah was thrown to the sea. Finally, God provided a great fish to swallow him, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights. (Jonah 1:17) Series of events that experienced by Jonah make him realize that he had no other choice except should be obedient to do God’s call.

The story of Jonah makes me contemplate. As a Christian, Should we experience suffering, distress or warning from God first and then we want to be obedient and faithfully doing His call? Running away from God’s call is not a way out! David said, ‘Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139:7-10) We cannot run away from God presence. These verses clearly show us that wherever we go, God is there.

My daddy said, “Indeed, God’s calling is a very noble and grace for us. God call us not just because our own strength but He looking for the people who have willingness to get out from their comfort zone, willing to suffer, and ready to be formed as a means of His glory. It is an honor for us because God choose us to involve in the work of His Kingdom.”

When God call us, what is our reaction? What shall we say? Whether we are going to run away like Jonah and got rebuke from the Lord? Or we would say, “Dear God, Here I am. Strengthen and enable me to fulfill your calling. I am Yours. Grant me the readiness of heart to doing what you want to. Prepare me with Your way to going anywhere You want to.” My dear lovely friends, Are we ready? To meet God’s calling maybe not easy, maybe we will face very difficult situation, but we need to learn to be obedient to His call. God does not need our strength and greatness but all He need is our willingness, obedient and faith and He, Himself, will work through us. God reminds Jeremiah:” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 1:7-8)

When God call us, in fact, He will use us. He will work through us. God does not need the experts. What He need are people who have a heart that longs to love others, who joyfully fulfilling His call. Let’s Find our calling and do it the best we can. Amen.

And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (Romans 8:30)

Karina

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Keep Endure Within Suffering

Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face. Job 13:15

Beside Jesus, perhaps there is only Job is a man in history who has great suffering in his life. Job’s afflictions came from because of his obedience to God, yet he seemed to be utterly forsaken by God while afflicted by men and Satan.

He is completely lost his wealth, family, and his health as well. His flocks were stolen, his children were killed, and his wife turned against him, and worse, his body was ravaged by disease. If we were to look at him, after Satan was given free rein to afflict him, we would see boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. (Job 2:7) the pus of which he had to scrape off his body. He sat among ashes- probably to dry up the sweating of his boils. So he was caked with white dust from head to toe.

What actually happened? What is behind all of Job’s suffering? Why God gives him so heavy suffering? As we know Job is a blameless and upright person. In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. (Job 1:1) This shows that Job was a man whose life is true and blameless before God.  Rightly the wicked and sinful people who deserve to got suffering like job.

Though it is very difficult to applied, as a believer we should learn to comprehend God’s will because God has a different perspective. God is never go wrong and failed. All of Job’s suffering is because Satan wants to his faith fall. But we can see although experience the great suffering, Job still endure, even he can said: “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said. (Job 2:10b) lost a lot of things did not make his faith wavered and did not make him weak and desperate. He keep endure within his suffering.

As long we living in this world, we could not running away from problems and suffering. The important thing that we should always to remember is we have God’s promise which can give us strength and give us the Holy Spirit as our savior. That is why in the midst of suffering let us stay endure because there is always God’s purpose and plan behind our suffering.

we should to realize as Job realize as well that God knows his way and when God tested him, he will come forth as Gold. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. (Job 23:10)

My dear reader, what kind of suffering that we face today? Lost someone we love?  Lost our wealth, we are suffering because of the disease? Job’s life can be our example of great patience and faith. No matter what suffering we got, we can learn from Job’s life testimony. Our beloved God was faithful. He never leaves and forsakes us. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Job’s trust and faithfulness to God can inspire us to always obey, be patient, hoping in God when we are in the darkness situation. We may feel that God seems slaying our happiness, Remember it all is only so that we will find our greatest joy in God.  As has been done by Job, let us keep endure within our suffering. Ask for strength to God so that we have always had a strong faith. Fill our lives with the Holy Spirit so that we can continue to endure in any circumstances. Amen

Karina – Living by Faith

Photo Credit: rodalena.com

Living in The Meekness

 

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant. Psalm 25:8-10

Today one of my friends asked me to write an article with topic of meekness. Interesting!  And as long as I am active in the blog, I rarely write about it. I think meekness is one of the aspects which are quite important in our lives, especially in our Christian lives. And here’s a bit of my thoughts about meekness.

From an early age in our society we are taught from many media such as television, books, news and well-meaning relatives that we must always have the upper hand or we will be seen as weak. We may have been told that we cannot be seen as an effective worker, parent, teen or whatever if we do not express ourselves with pride and forcefulness.

The bible teaches something entirely different. God says that one of the characteristics we should have is meekness. What does it mean to be meek? Meekness is a gentleness or kindness seen in a person’s character. It can be shown through humility, patience, and restraint. A meek man has greater strength than the prideful man. God tells us that Moses was a meek man and that he was above all men that were upon the face of the earth. Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth. (Number 12:3)

Christians develop a different attitude towards others and circumstances. There is an understanding of God’s view of the lost and a Godly sorrow for their state. When we exercise patience with others and treat them with kindness, God is pleased. God does not approve of pride in the life or a believer and there are consequences to pride. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverb 16:18)

Through Bible reading or study and prayer we are as a Christian develops a stronger foundation to use a guideline for our lives. As we grow in our Christian life we seek humility and gentleness when dealing with the world. God has clearly stated that He will guide the meek and teach them.

When we are talking to our peers at the office or where ever we are, do we boast of our own accomplishments? Do we put all our faith in our knowledge and little in God’s wisdom? Be honest with ourselves about whether pride is in the forefront of our actions. Ask to God to help us to be humble and meek. Paul many times talks about meekness.

 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)

 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)

 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. (1Timothy 6:11)

Gentleness and patience, it was repeated by the apostle who formerly known as the butcher of believers but then transformed so radically in a very short time.Even Jesus himself said: “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you”. (Luke 6:27-28)

My dear lovely readers, if we already have a character of meekness? When we see someone suffering do we offer our support or pray for them? If someone tries to make us angry, criticizes us or picks on us, do we show restraint and avoid further confrontation? When we are witnessing to the lost, do we talk to them with a gentle spirit and kindness? As a Christian, it is time for us to continually improving our meekness. So through our meekness others will see and feel God’s love and wisdom. Ask to the Lord continuously to give us the strength to continue to be humble, gentle, and kind. Amen.

Karina – Living in the meekness.

Photo credit: Sue Nash.  http://heavenlyraindrops.wordpress.com