Examination periods were always the worst time for me. I get stressed out and start having panic attacks. If by the night before I still don't know what the material is like the back of my hand, I'll start getting frustrated and start the stress tears. I know that whatever happens, God had allowed it to, as long as I tried my best. And I know that in times like those I should be reminded that Jesus had died for my sins and that my biggest issue in life, the trouble with sin, that I could not overcome by myself had been overcome through Jesus.
Maybe I'm more convicted of the truth this year. When I start to be a bit edgy and nervous, I am more aware and would start preaching the gospel to myself. Reminding myself on what is most important in this temporary life. It definitely wasn't easy to do so. When my mind tells me it's time to start panicking, the other side tells me to calm down and remember what Jesus had done on the Cross.
God's word has been a source of strength. Going though Mark's gospel with the students in church had allowed me to take a look at Jesus' life while on earth and how he had been mocked, beaten, abandoned, and crucified, not because of anything that He has done. But because of our sins. Your sins, and my sins.
I think songs had also helped me a lot in remembering Jesus and His great work on the Cross. Through them, I have been constantly reminded of the fact that I have everything that I'll ever need through Jesus. He had reconciled and allowed me to have a relationship with God. What else could be better than that? Would I really need to place anything else as more important when the relationship with God had been restored?
It really puts things into perspectives when we look at the bigger picture of how temporary this whole life is. It may end tomorrow, the day after, next year, the year after. Who knows? Only the Father knows.
I'm thankful for the prayers through this period of time. Your words of encouragement had been such a tremendous blessing and laugh to me with some of the things that you've said.
I've had a good year of learning and growing. Making new friends and seeing the world. Stepping out of my comfort zone, which I absolutely love, and being a bit more courageous to socialise a bit more.
I wouldn't give up anything to be anywhere else. God does know what's best. ;)
Hannah
