Journal Entry #25: Press On

Abba...I want to sleep with hopes that everything will be okay. From this day forward, I ask for the courage and strength to press on.                                                                                              5/10/2011

If I could speak to my twenty-two-year-old self, I would say:

Do not be surprised because trials and troubles of any kind will come into your life, but you must choose to press on.  Do not give up instead seek God. Seek Him in your confusion, frustrations, doubts, and fears. Remember that God can handle all your worries and questions. Ask for God's perspective and lean not on your own understanding. Choose to take it one day at a time, stay close to Him and be honest about your pain. Getting through a season in which you experience pain or suffering is a process, not always an instant deliverance. Learn all that God wants to teach you in the seasons God will allow you to go through. You might not understand or receive an answer to "why" you're going through this pain or trial but trust God. Trust in Him as God, not as a human. Remember that God is trustworthy, His thoughts of you are precious, and He wants to give you a future and hope. He is the God who is with you, so there is no need to be discouraged, He will help you and strengthen you.  He is the God who will sustain you in any season of life.

Journal Entry #24: A woman that prays

Today, I learned about prayer. Prayer should be a part of every Christians' life. I hope to incorporate prayer into every aspect of my life.  A time in which I confess, offer praises and thanks to Your name. "A woman that prays daily."                                                                              6.25.11

My one desire is to be a woman of prayer.

I remember my first prayer request was that I would become a Christian, for God to tell my dad I loved him (he died when I young) and that I would move to New York. At that time, I was eight years old. I prayed with confidence, there was no doubt in my mind that God did not hear me. Then fast forward to middle and high school, I began to write out my prayers and set a time to pray for my family and friends. When I entered college, I would write my prayers to God daily. Even now, I still write my prayers in journals (for the last 10 years) and have a prayer board. Each day I would have a specific thing to pray for, for example on Sundays I pray for my church, on Mondays for family and co-workers, Tuesdays for inner cities, Wednesdays for world issues, Thursdays for brothers and sisters in Christ, Fridays for the President/world leaders and on Saturdays for myself.  I am currently a part of a Prayer and Compassion team in my church. I enjoy praying for others and using God's word to encourage others. 

When I look back at my journals, I can't help but see how I have grown and seen God's faithfulness. My journals have allowed me to see that God does listen to our prayers. Also, that the Christian walk is not perfect, there are moments of joy, and times of struggles and trials. One thing I am enjoying about journaling my prayers is seeing how God has sustained me as I have moments of fear and trouble.

Question: 

What is one desire you have as a Christian?

Keep It Short: Six Words or Less

You're too loved for that.

Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:24-26

 Don’t you know that all the runners in the stadium run, but only one gets the prize? So run to win.  Everyone who competes practices self-discipline in everything. The runners do this to get a crown of leaves that shrivel up and die, but we do it to receive a crown that never dies. So now this is how I run—not without a clear goal in sight. I fight like a boxer in the ring, not like someone who is shadowboxing. CEB

Journal Entry #23: When I'm hurt...

Abba, I have been hurt and sad a lot this year. Many things have come to my attention, I have been lied to and talked about by people. I'm heartbroken by the way people have treated me. Abba, forgive me because I tend to treat people the way they treat me. But I know I should show respect to all people and see them as You see them (with love).

5/17/2011

During my high school and undergraduate years, I was put in circumstances that challenged me to forgive others. I have been taken advantage of, rejected, teased, seen abuse. When I was hurt, I wanted revenge, sometimes I would isolate myself, or lie to myself about being okay. I have learned since my younger years, positive ways to handle hurt. I would first admit, the pain I was feeling. Then, I asked God to help me forgive and love the person. And lastly, I began praying for the person and my own heart. The Lord has met me while I was in pain and I am sure He will meet you in your own pain and struggles. 

Quote:

“Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.” 

Sigmund Freud

Question 

What are positive and negative responses you have had when someone hurt you? 

What do you think are the best ways to handle hurt?