Journeying together

Has it really been that long since I last blogged? I knew this last week was a lethargic one but I had not realised how bad it had gotten. Thankfully, I seem to have made up for a good chunk of lost time today (I think). Of course, there is still so much that needs to be done (in terms of math stuff that is, because if you're thinking generally, there will ALWAYS be much to be done!).

 

This is now my last week of official classes. I will still have two weeks of classes after the Easter break but they are meant to be summary and revision classes though I have a feeling my topology lecturer will still be teaching us new material then since he has not managed to finish the course yet. It's nice too know I don't have that for another whole month though even if I have to look at topology homework from now till then.

 

I must admit that it's been getting incredibly easy to look at the amount of work and revision that needs to be done and feel totally overwhelmed. Major doubts about being able to graduate amongst other things have crossed my mind probably more than a few times despite the reassuring comments of friends and family. The "What If"'s start taunting and I probably don't have to mention that my lack of interest to be super-productive hasn't helped either. Of course, I'm not one for un-happy endings and if there was a defining turning point in this plot, it would probably be today as I opened up my reading to Isaiah 40 and was reminded of how AWESOME our God is. How great is our God? (Yes, I will be humming that song probably for the rest of the day). He is infinitely, immeasurably, undescribably super-terrific!

 

The taunting from the King of Assyria and his servants may as well have been the various fiery darts of doubts that have pricked my mind. If I have cried out to the Lord about these things, it might as well have been King Hezekiah's prayer. "Indeed it was for my own peace that I had great bitterness; but You have lovingly delivered my soul from the pit of corruption, for You have cast all my sins behind your back... The living, the living man, he shall praise You, as I do this day... The Lord was ready to save me, therefore I will sing my songs with stringed instruments all the days of my life, in the house of the lord." (Isaiah 38:17, 19-20) My Jesus, my saviour, Lord there is none like you. All of my days, I want to praise the wonders of Your mighty love. My comfort, my shelter, tower of refuge and strength. Let every breath, all that I am, never cease to worship You! "To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare to Him?... Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to whose who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40: 18, 28-31) Nothing compares to the promise I have in [HIM]. Yes, I am encouraged.

 

 

 

All these things, however, have not been such a huge concern for me as people seem to think should be. In fact, in this last week alone, one passage of the Bible, namely Philippians 4:4-13, has been given to me again and again by various methods. I think I read it at the beginning of the week in my latest read 'Making Life Rich Without Any Money' by Phil Callaway, which really emphasised the first part, which was to REJOICE in the Lord (v4-5). If anything, this book gives new meaning to the word "joy" and if you ever want a book to laugh through, this is definitely a good candidate. 

Another mention of this passage arose at prayer night which seemed to highlight that we should be anxious for nothing and but PRAY in faith and thanksgiving, experiencing His peace (v6-7). To consider everything that is good, noble, lovely (v8)... hmmm, I recall writing a blog entry about this. Well, there have been much such things to think about this last week. Many prayers have been answered and God has proven Himself forever faithful and merciful despite our, I mean my own, ignorance and sinfulness.

Lastly but certainly not least, one of my spiritual heroes gave me this passage on Friday as a reminder to live by FAITH through OBEDIENCE. (v9) To be encouraged that we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us. (v13) Of course, there is then also that ever faithful promise from our Lord Jesus that we are not left to strive on our own for our God shall supply ALL your needs. (v19) This reminds me of the verse that he also gave my mum and inevitably all of us on his last visit to us:

So as I have been given this passage, I also want to pass it on to you that you may be encouraged and challenged in your own faith.