approaching through faith

I came to realize one thing which I really want to share with you dear readers about this one thing: everyone has something to deal with, well to put it into more concrete term, everyone has some kind of 'problem' they have to face from time to time. And the good news is none escape! The spectrum can be varied from economics, emotional, unrealized dreams, and just mention it. That makes me reflect on how should we go through this jungle of so many potential frictions and disappointments; boredom and sorrow. We live in fallen world where happiness is something too high and eat us up when we try to catch it. So, how should I live my life as a Christian who loves Christ in the face of such demanding and critical moment?

From ages, people after God's heart is distinguished in this very manner: how they react to unpleasant moments. Our Holy Scriptures are filled with such heart breaking stories of Abraham who freely give his only son Isaac up to the Lord; or Joseph who waited and trusted the Lord in the jail for something that he did not do. Or Job who insisted that the Lord is Holy One even though he has to bear such painful diseases. Holy Apostles who were persecuted and tortured for the sake of Good News. Christ himself is our ultimate Example for this where He obeys the Father's will completely unto His death on the cross. We are surrounded by the clouds of witness of they who love God more than anything.

What all these tell us? It is clear then, the difficulties, sorrows, temptations and unpleasant moments are always there. God, out of His love for us allows these things  for the perfection of our love. He doesn't control us or gives us no choice. Rather through these moments He wants to scaffold our faith, strengthen and purify it so that it can be made crystal clear that the seeds of love which He sows in us bear fruits which can be seen through obedience toward Him.

Thus a man and woman of faith doesn't pray to avoid unpleasant moments, neither he/she prays in craving of pleasure and worldly comfort. One thing which has to be both the root and the fruit of prayer: the Love toward the Lord. We pray because we remember that God is ever loving Lord and merciful Master --and we pray so that He sustain us in His Love to obey Him no matter what, as in "Thy will be done". To conclude this reflection, let this poem speaks...

"Ye shall love Me", my Master
You thus spoke when You create me from dust
There You breathe Your own breath of Love
None else could fill us with such joy and bliss
but Your love and communion with You

Yet, how we have rebelled against You
From the dust in our feet we cry out to You, widowed from Your Love
This longing of Your Love burst out
as a dear panting for the water

But You in Your endless love reaches down from ages to us
You call us from the depth of our being
to come back to You
For You to embrace us again through Your laws and Your revelation
through Your guidance, wisdom and mercy
Til The One Whom You Love came down
and tell us "I am The Way, The Truth and The Life"

Glory be to You, O Master who loves mankind
Through this narrow way shall we follow You
with tears of joy and songs of praises shall we
day to day witness Your indescribable mercy

Who are the most beautiful ones on earth?
Those who are robed in humility and thankfulness
Who are the most graceful ones on earth?
Those who adorn their lips and soul with Holy Name of the Lord
Who are the strongest ones on earth?
Those who has "Thy Will be done" carved in their hearts

You have sowed the seed of Your kingdom, dearest Lord
Bless us, that we may be filled with joy and fear not
For You are merciful Lord both now and ever and unto the ages of ages! Amen!