The semester thus far

"And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

~2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I am now halfway through the fall semester of my sophomore year of college. I don't know how I got this far this quickly. I'm amazed at the speed at which the days turns into weeks. This is now my third attempt to put into words what I have been going through this semester. It's been a roller coaster, to say the least.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."

~Proverbs 3:5-6

I generally "pride" (one of my greater sins, as if I have things to be proud of) myself on being a fairly steady, consistent person, not given to emotional upheaval. This has not been the case this semester at all. The only thing I've done consistently this semester is be upset!

I could go on forever about all the things that aren't going the way I want them to, about the things that are hurting me. But, what use would that be? I don't know why I am walking through these trials, or why I feel less capable then ever to meet them. But, I can tell you what I've learned from the experience.

Here's the short story, this semester was a curve ball. I've faced challenges that I never thought I'd have to face. Things that used to be so simple and easy have now grown too difficult for me to handle.
And here are the results:
I have had to throw myself completely at the mercy of God. I have given up attempting to do life on my own strength, by my own will power. It's a hard truth to swallow, but a beautiful one. I am completely dependent on Jesus. All good things come from him (James 1:17), nothing good comes from me (Romans 3:10-18,23). I've said this before, but to truly realize that on my own, I don't even have the ability to perform basic courtesy.

Suffering really is a blessing. (James 1:2-4, Matthew 5:1-12)

But, I will walk by faith, even when I cannot see. (2 Corinthians 5:7)


"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible."

~Hebrews 11:1-3

"...But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

~Hebrews 1:6

This I know

"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known."

~1 Corinthians 13:11