This I Believe...

Back in high-school, I had a phenomenal English teacher who always challenged her students to write better. She enjoyed literature immensely and saw to it that we were introduced to all types. In the course of that semester, she got us to write a piece called, "This I Believe," about something that was poignant and resonated with our core. 

As we go through life, we change, circumstances change, and difficult things arise, but at the core of it all, this I believe...

I believe in a God that is silent at times but ultimately working things out for good. As His child, I know that I can trust Him with the things that are confusing, rest in Him for my weakness, and love Him for who He is. 

I believe that He is the Ultimate Healer, the Ageless Wisdom, the Sovereign King, and the Never-ending Ruler. I know He is in control, regardless of circumstances, etc. I believe that a believer's faith has become seasoned when he/she can stand with arms uplifted in praise with tears running down his/her face. He/she knows a God who has been faithful in the past and will continue to be.

As stated by song writer Chris Tomlin, 

There is an endless song 
Echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring
And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the Rock I cling.
How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your Name
I know I am loved by a King 
And it makes my heart want to sing

I believe that Christians have an Answer to share with the hurting world around them. Life does not get easier and the world does not get brighter, but Jesus lived among the broken and lost when He came to earth. We must go and do the same. 

Through our weak and feeble efforts, His beautiful grace and love will shine and grow in abundance. The people who walked in darkness will see great light and the glory of the Lord will come to rest upon them. They will see that He is good and deserves all praise and glory. 

Over the centuries, Christian after Christian has learned to praise God through difficulty. Jesus Himself was the perfect example. 

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

Psalm 95:6-7 ESV