HOW I MET JESUS IN COLLEGE SERIES
11:25 PM, 7th day of August 2020, while preparing myself to write this blog, I asked God, "what do I want to share?" Believe me, there are many things I wish I could share to all who will read this blog.
But a phrase I believe that answered the question I asked the Lord is,
"One Step at a Time!"
I know it was His voice saying, "One Step at a time."
As I tried to understand why those were His words, I began to remember the worst days of my life. The time where nothing makes me happy except for the approval of others, the material things this world could offer, and the temporary pleasures my flesh desires. Yes, these were the things that gave me joy before, the kind of joy that is temporary and fake.
Why did I consider it fake?
It doesn't come from Him.
This is not of the Lord.
He didn't want us to please others more than Him.
He didn't want our desires for worldly things to eat us up.
He didn't want us to do things selfishly.
All that God wanted is our entire being. He wanted us to gaze upon Him, not on the blessings. He wanted us to realize that He is the one who could only satisfy us and give us pure joy. In fact, He has prepared us gifts and blessings that even our little minds can’t comprehend. But the only way to receive these is through focusing and seeking Him first.
However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" -- the things God has prepared for those who love Him.
1 Corinthians 2:9
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
Maybe you would say, how will it happen? How is seeking Him can make me rich? How is seeking Him can give me peace and pure joy? Well, that question is not new, because even before, I was also curious and confused about this whole idea. Not until the day I met Jesus!
Last August 2018, while walking at the ground floor of the BE Building, UM Matina, I saw this group of youth which is called Y2DN UM. They were giving invitations to students like me for a free workshop in singing, dancing, acting and etc.
Since I am really into those activities, I got excited and registered. August 20, 2018, was the day of the event. At first, I was hesitant to attend because I thought, “Maybe this is another church thing. Maybe they are just using these avenues to make me go to church. I am a busy person. I still have a part-time job to attend every night as a Student Training Assistant (STA)." But there was a voice inside me saying, “You should attend it. Remember you like those stuff and it would be a way for you to enjoy sometimes.” In short, I attended.
"My mindset changed, and my actions as well. The first months of walking with God were not that easy for me."
That event was really good, and I had a memorable experience attending it. And, it was indeed a bait! Because someone invited me to a Sunday Service after the event. However, that bait was not common and harmful because it opened the door for me to have peace right now. It was the beginning of why I have real joy and have all the things that I didn’t possess before.
To give you a background story before I met Y2DN UM and BCC, I was problematic, stressed out, tired, and confused. I was problematic because of studies, self-image, family, and many more. I also experienced an identity crisis that stressed me more. I was once doubtful of God’s existence because of all the adversities that I experienced. It seemed like the advice I got from my friends and social media has inspired me more than what God says. So these were the things that I spent most of my time before I met the living God.
But the perfect time came for me to meet Jesus, and everything changed.
My mindset changed, and my actions as well. The first months of walking with God were not that easy for me. However, to you, who is reading this blog right now, don’t be discouraged. When you understand Him, you will have hope for everything. Looking back, God has helped me understand why things happened as they are, and that gives me a reason to persevere in knowing Him more. With all my best, I tried to be consistent in attending all services and training.
I know that it would cost me a lot, especially my time and money since I still have a job. And my course, B.S in Accountancy, is not easy. It requires a lot of effort. But on the other side, I also believe that these things will give me eternal benefit, which must be our main objective in life. So, I was just doing what God and our leaders wanted me to do, and in just a short span of time, God started to shower me with victories. I received an academic scholarship for being a member of the honor society, financial support, genuine friends, top some comprehensive tests, and many more. He also gives me peace, and because of Him, I was able to know my identity. I am His son. I am not born for mediocrity, but for a greater purpose. Indeed, knowing God is the best decision I have ever made in my life. He literally solved all the problems that I have been suffering from. Not in a snap, not so fast, but one step at a time.
I know most of the people get discouraged easily if God doesn't answer their requests in an instant. But we should always remember that He is in control of everything. He knows you, even before you were born. He knows everything about you, from your desires to your struggles.
We just need to trust Him. Because at the end of the day, everything will fall into the right places if we put our trust in Him. It may be easier said than done but just take little steps. Because that little step of faith will lead you to your greater purpose, and that is to know Him more.
"I am His son. I am not born for mediocrity, but for a greater purpose."
ERVIN.
Jeremiah 1:5-9
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
"Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child." But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, `I am only a child.' 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.
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