Let us Rejoice!
It was just over the last week that one of my fellow classmates pointed out that we have only 3 weeks left of classes. Yes, 3 weeks left of topology. 3 weeks left of history (and development of mathematics), 3 weeks left of many things. Well, not quite, since will still have 2 weeks of revision classes after the Easter holidays but you get the general idea. It's around this time that we all start feeling the pressure of expectations, of upcoming exams and the knowledge that this chapter of our lives will soon reach its climax of suspense before closing and opening to the next.
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:
"And God is able to make ALL grace abound toward you, that you, ALWAYS having ALL sufficiency in ALL things, may have an ABUNDANCE in EVERY good work."- 2 Corinthians 9:8
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.
"Rejoice in the Lord, always and again I will say, REJOICE! Let your gentleness be known to ALL men. The LORD is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication, with THANKSGIVING, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses ALL understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus...The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these DO, and the God of peace will be with you...The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
Philippians 4:4-7, 9, 23
