Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.-Ephesians 5:15-16We have been discussing Hamlet in English class so far this semester, and it has brought up so many good questions. What does it mean to be a frail actor? What part are we called to play in this world, and how do we play it well? How does one suffer without wanting to escape? How do we live on this stage with our future stage in mind?
These questions, and the following discussions have tied into everything I've been thinking about entering this semester. I came to college with a desire to be challenged, and to experience suffering. In some ways, this sounds like an odd desire, but I believe it is God-given. God reveals himself, His sovereignty and His love in all of life, but I think He does it in a very profound way through trials and suffering. I want to know suffering so that my faith might be strengthened, so that I might be conformed to the image of Christ.
One of my friends pointed out that suffering isn't just catastrophe entering one's life. It can simply be God stretching and stretching and stretching someone until they can't be stretched anymore. It is God taking our pride and forcing us to rely wholly and completely on Him. What grace that He does that!
I have been praying about and evaluating my calling at this time in my life. I believe God has sovereignly placed me at Hillsdale, and because He has put me here, I believe it is clear that He has called me to pursue Him as a student first and foremost. By living in a manner that is diligent and faithful to this calling, God will bring glory to Himself. I want to be fully committed to my studies and to this calling. I believe that as I pursue God through my studies and in my life, He will bring challenges, and He will bring situations that stretch me and pull me, forcing me to rely entirely on Him. He does this all for His glory, calling me to "share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace, which He gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began." (2 Timothy 1:8-9)
I am excited about this semester, and about the challenges that I know lie ahead. I want to study hard, to love as Christ has loved, to encourage others, to see the grace all around me, and I want to trust God and His perfect sovereignty in all things. I pray that God would bring whatever suffering into my life so that I might learn how to live to His praise.
I therefore, as a prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
-Ephesians 4:1-3
4 comments:
You've got a heart for glorifying God in everything you do, Shannon. And I know God will use that to accomplish great things for His Kingdom. Keep it up, sister! I'll be praying for you. :-)
Thanks for posting this.
I believe you are especially right about God calling us to suffer. It's what I desire in my heart as well.
This has been encouraging to me.
Everything you say, I feel like it's me talking and thinking. You describe so many emotions and thoughts that I have and hold dear -- it is so wonderful to have you as a sister in Christ, Shannon. You are a true bosom friend.
You are a blessing! I love reading your blog and getting your perspective of this experience . . . I can always rely on you to bring everything to God and push me to do the same. Thanks for sharing.
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