Reults Eve...

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."  

- Corrie Ten Boom

So, it is guaranteed that the majority of year 13's are bricking it for tomorrow morning - when we find out if the big R's get us into the big U's. For me, tomorrow I find out whether I will be studying sociology in Liverpool or Nottingham, or whether I will be searching my way through clearing until  some university somewhere has pity on me and takes me in!

Finding out how clever you are - or dumb, in my case - is always a scary thought. Nobody likes to see they have failed - especially when these results have such a big impact on the rest of your life. 

BUT. Amidst all the fear and nerves, I'm so glad I can trust that my future is in God's hands.

EEEK. Massively praying for a bit of success though! ha.

'Burn in me a love for You that all will clearly see...'

'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'

Philippians 4:13

Over the years I have come to learn that living a Christian life is far from easy - but recently, this became more true to me than ever. The past couple of weeks I have had to make some of the biggest decisions I have ever had to make. But this verse has been a massive encouragement to me. 

Sometimes it is so difficult to understand why God allows things to happen - why He doesn't stop you from facing big trials. After all, He is God. He has the power to do anything. This is a question that runs through so many of our minds daily, but it is so important to remember that God is a just God, who loves and cares for us, and has our best interest at heart. Sometimes we can't find an answer to this question because there isn't a particular answer. It is often so difficult to understand God's plans, especially when His plans don't line up with our own. 

However, as Christians, we can find encouragement within these trials and difficulties. We may not understand why God lets things happen, but we can trust in Him to never abandon us:

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

- Joshua 1:9

A couple of weeks ago, we had a speaker at our church called Brandon who preached on Philippians 1:12-13. I could tell that God was working in my difficulties because that sermon had the most perfect timing. It was the exact message I needed to hear. Brandon looked at how God used Paul whilst he was in prison to bring Glory to God. He showed us how God can so often use our trials and difficulties for the advancement of the gospel. Our difficulties can be used as a testimony to other believers and non-believers - showing the importance of our faith, revealing the wonders of the gospel and, in doing so, magnifying Christ. If we trust in Jesus, His glory will be reflected among nations.

I can't say that life is now a walk in the park, and decisions I've had to make don't hurt me, but I know if I keep my eyes fixed on Christ, He will never leave me. I've learnt that I need to respond to difficulties by bringing each and every one of them before Christ, and dealing with my life according to the gospel. 

God's ways are not our ways. 

'As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.' 

Psalm 18:30