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| By Ianpassion The picture was taken at lighthouse tower Satun, Thailand |
It is my birthday again.
I was actually thinking about what I should be thankful for on my birthday. Because I received updates this year about the deaths of our loved ones.
I was actually thinking about what I should be thankful for on my birthday. Because I received updates this year about the deaths of our loved ones.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
(Ecc. 3:1-2, 11)
(Ecc. 3:1-2, 11)
The passage above talks about how the Father sets a time for everything and seasons for every activity under the heavens.
I reflected on two important thoughts here. The first is time, and the second is seasons.
Just a few days ago, I received a message informing me that one of my closes cousins already went up to heaven. It shocked me. He looks strong and healthy. So no one had imagined that He would go very early. However, his time came.
Time to die is the hardest reality that every one of us must face. However, if we have the Son, at death we will not leave, we will go home. We have a promise that others do not have─ the promise of everlasting life.
I am thankful that the Father has given me another year to enjoy with friends and family, and to pursue the passion that he had placed in my heart. This is why I should be grateful for every birthday of mine─ He gives me more time. His gift is, I AM STILL ALIVE.
Second, the author of Ecclesiastes talked about different seasons. Just a few months ago, I planted passion fruits. During the period of waiting, they started bearing flowers until shiny green fruits came, and eventually to ripe yellow colors. Harvest time!
Life is like this:
When I reflect on my own life, I went through all different seasons. Some people, whom I expected, accommodating and kind, finally become the thorn in my flesh. And an opportunity that I thought could be my solid ground turned out to be my pit.
However, It was not over. The Abba Almighty made me realize. Everything in this world is shakeable and Only Him and His Promises are not. What happened to me was not a surprising event to Him. He knew because He is All-knowing.
I reflected on two important thoughts here. The first is time, and the second is seasons.
Just a few days ago, I received a message informing me that one of my closes cousins already went up to heaven. It shocked me. He looks strong and healthy. So no one had imagined that He would go very early. However, his time came.
Time to die is the hardest reality that every one of us must face. However, if we have the Son, at death we will not leave, we will go home. We have a promise that others do not have─ the promise of everlasting life.
I am thankful that the Father has given me another year to enjoy with friends and family, and to pursue the passion that he had placed in my heart. This is why I should be grateful for every birthday of mine─ He gives me more time. His gift is, I AM STILL ALIVE.
Second, the author of Ecclesiastes talked about different seasons. Just a few months ago, I planted passion fruits. During the period of waiting, they started bearing flowers until shiny green fruits came, and eventually to ripe yellow colors. Harvest time!
Life is like this:
All of us must undergo different seasons, but one thing is sure, there is always a harvest season. If we are patient enough to wait, our season of jubilee eventually comes.
When I reflect on my own life, I went through all different seasons. Some people, whom I expected, accommodating and kind, finally become the thorn in my flesh. And an opportunity that I thought could be my solid ground turned out to be my pit.
However, It was not over. The Abba Almighty made me realize. Everything in this world is shakeable and Only Him and His Promises are not. What happened to me was not a surprising event to Him. He knew because He is All-knowing.
He says "I make all things beautiful." His plan is always wonderful, orchestrating everything to push through His good purpose, (reflecting Joseph's life in the Scripture and Romans 8:28). By that, I have confidence in the Father’s sovereignty. Assured, He does leave His child. Therefore, for whatever season in life, I should be thankful and face this with a positive attitude because He is always my "Immanuel".
Praise the Almighty Father for this another year.
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