The struggle is real- college edition

Why is life never perfect? Honestly, it's quite exhausting. If it's not one thing, it's another. If you're not struggling with your grades, you're probably struggling with body image. If you're not struggling with body image, you're probably worrying about that one awkward interaction you just had. If nothing awkward has happened to you today, then you're probably feeling lonely. If you're not lonely, then you're probably tired.

It's easy to hide behind a screen and proclaim your faith in Jesus, but when you're faced with trials and temptations in real life... the struggle is real.

The Bible says, "in this world, you will have trouble." I believe it haha. BUT the rest of the verse says, "But take heart, for I have overcome the world." The "I" is Jesus. In light of Easter approaching, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on what Easter means to you- if it means anything at all. Is it the one time of year your family makes it to church? Do you and your family dye Easter eggs or have an Easter egg hunt for the kids? If you're anything like me, you've always celebrated Easter, but maybe not always let the significance of it sink in. Easter is a reminder of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because Jesus rose from the grave three days after being nailed to the cross, ALL of our sins have been forgiven.

Knowing this is one thing, but our faith is meant to be more than knowledge; it's supposed to CHANGE OUR LIVES. Here's some practical ways I plan to let the message of Easter can affect my daily life this week:

1. Because Jesus rose from the grave, I actually have nothing to fear. I don't have to fear the "small" things like exams or assignments, and I don't have to fear "big" things like death. God has every part of my life in His hands.

2. Because Jesus rose from the grave, I am free to walk in love and grace every single day, no matter what my day looks like, how bad my morning was, who is mad at me, what grade I made on my test, etc.

3. Because Jesus rose from the grave, I don't have to let any failure or accomplishment define me. I have found that putting all my worth in an accomplishment NEVER gives me the fulfillment I thought it would. That's because it was never meant to. Eventually, another challenge arrises, or I have the desire to accomplish something new. This is a beautiful thing, and I should thank God for gifting me with a desire to do my work with excellence.

4. Because Jesus rose from the grave, I can give grace to myself for being imperfect. There is not one day of my life that I will do everything absolutely perfectly, so I don't have to get caught in the trap of letting every single mistake I make define me.

5. Because Jesus rose from the grave, I am free to emulate Christ's love to everyone and in every circumstance I can. The Holy Spirit lives inside of me, and when I realize this, love, joy, and peace overflow into my relationships and interactions with others. When I ask God to give me eyes to see people the way He sees them, I can compliment others without comparing myself to them.

Threads of Suffering

So often in life we want to skip the hard parts- the bad days, the hard work, the inconveniences, the boredom, and the list could go on. One day this week after class, I found a sunny spot on campus and just sat and listened to a podcast by Jennie Allen called threads of suffering. Here’s some notes I took:

• “There's something about the desert that refines our life, that causes our life to be more holy.”

• “Whether it’s suffering the you've chosen because of sin, or whether its suffering that is part of your story because of God’s allowance for it,” it serves a purpose

• “The very things we are afraid of, the very darkest parts, the things we think disqualify us … those things are supposed to be the things that we use to go and serve other people and cause the good that we are going to bring into the world.”

Whether it's a mental health issue, a family problem, a relationship problem, the loss of a loved one, and the list could go on- all forms of suffering have a common theme: they show us our desperate need for a Savior.

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. -2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT)

Not only does our suffering allow us to help others, but it also (eventually) leads us deeper in our relationship with God. If you’re anything like me, when things aren’t going well, my first instinct is to be frustrated with God. This frustration often leads me to a place of stagnancy in my faith as I attempt to grasp for control for whatever area of my life feels out of control. However, because I am human, I soon reach the end of myself and fall back into the gentle embrace of my loving Heavenly Father, delighting in His word and striving to follow His commandments. God knew we would be like this- that’s why He offers us free will, His grace, and He sent His Holy Spirit to pursue us all the days of our lives.

This week, when trials come your way, don't despise them. Your mess may become your message as you seek God and allow Him to teach you things you didn’t even know you wanted to know. Below are two quotes I came across that led me to write this post <3.

Excerpt from Cambria Joy’s blog post. Subscribe at this link to get an encouraging email every Wednesday: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/637ea494bc6e0cdcd1d52902

Challenge

Tomorrow morning, or whenever you have a free moment, instead of scrolling on your phone, open your Bible and see what the words God had written just for you. If you need somewhere to start, try Job 38 or John 15. Trust me, you'll be amazed.

Prayer

Dear God,

You see me, with all my imperfections; yet You still sent your Son to die for me. I can't fathom your love for me, but I thank you for pursuing me again and again. Help me to see you this week. Remind me of Jesus's sacrifice through everyday moments this week. Help me be a reflection of you to those around me. When I am tempted to get weighed down by life, help me to lift my eyes to You.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen

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Your life matters. You are so loved. Your purpose is to know God and make Him known. Ask Him how you can do that this week.

- Love,

Breanna Chavez ❤️