Today's devotion really hit me and I got so many things out of it!!
Background info: My biol mid-year exam is in 4 weeks and i only started studying this week and i haven't been revising the previous work that I've learnt so it's a big build up of work that some how God will help me get through it all!
Today's passage (John 5:31-47)
The part where it talks about how "John was a lamp that burned and gave light" is ALL about how John bore fruit for God which was preaching the Good News to everyone around him, he even traveled from place to place in order for everyone to know about God. John DEFINITELY lived a purpose driven life which was filled with love and evangelism.
He ONLY did work that pleased God-good and pure things- he was such a great influence and an obedient servant!
This is when i realised that i DEFINITELY fall short of this, especially during now when biology is constantly on my mind.
I realised that Biology + school is pushing me away from God as my focus is on my school work all throughout the day instead on Him. It is only after i come home from school, when i do devotion, where i have time for God, rather my whole day should be lived for Him!
To be this burning "lamp" we must share and preach God to others which is something that I am also not doing at school because my focus and time is once again all about me me me and my homework! how selfish right!?
I've already asked God to handle everything at school, so why should i be so worried and have such small faith? Ultimately the marks i attain are already planned and chosen by Him; so these are things i am not able to control anyway.
I've learnt to adjust my focus back on HIM and to reopen up my life so that He can work through me :)
some quick questions:
-what are currently you focused on: school/exams or God (what are you constantly thinking about ALL the time?)
- are you living out the purposes God has sent you to do?
-are you too worried about yourself that you're not meeting the needs of others (is there anyone around you that lacks that support/love/encouragement) - put others' needs before you :)
these are the things I've realised today and so i shall be working on them to stay and remain to the vine:)
hope all of you are having lovely weeks!
love lots, cya sunday :) :)
lol steph
ReplyDeletei feel the same way, only 5 times as focused on school, 1 for each subject....BAD BAD BAD ><
i was JUST thinking earlier this evening about how much crap i have to prepare for--chem exam, english oral, japanese detailed study, trying to finish methods course early--and this post has just reminded me (credits to God and/through aaron for notifying me of this post) that i should just take it easy, cos God's got it all under control. :)
thanks steph :D
wow...
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing this!
thanks for sharing steph!
ReplyDeleteit's so encouraging seeing you find peace in your heart with God, even during such stressful times.
okay so i have a confession to make....
it's 2 weeks until exams... and i havent... oh dear.
here it comes.
i haven't started studying! OH NO! okay you can condemn me and con me all you want >: ) (but you wont because then i'll tell you Jesus doesnt condemn people! hehee) but I WILL START TOMORROW! x)
anyway reading this not only sent a wave of panic down my throat, it brought me peace as soon as i read the next line ^^ amazing sharing about the verses! these John verses which reflect upon how amazing Jesus' miracles are is so mindblowing and even though we've already heard these bible stories before, it's the first time we've actually sat down and thought about it and reflected upon it!
will be praying for everyone who has exams or whatever stress and distractions that are going on in everyone's lives!
we fireballs stick together, we stick with God. :D
LOVE YOU ALL!
p.s off to band rehearsal, SEE YOU THERE GAVIN!
Steph, this sharing is so touching~
ReplyDeleteI was going through the same thing for the past week too....and that selfishness has creeped so strongly into my life too.
I've barely done my train-bound devos cos I've just slept! Have had a stressful week, and just that little ounce of relying on God fully for His guidance has been so difficult
You've inspired me! Great work :)
Keep up these devos! They're awesome!