Pressed But Not Crushed

This week has been filled with meetings, going to campuses, meeting people, late nights, trying to not discombobulate my brain, and lack of motivation to do certain things that I need and want to do. I honestly feel like I have been pressed and pushed to what my physical body can actually handle; however, recently I read 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

“⁸We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

(Knee brace, huge bruise, ankle brace, and 4 bruised knuckles)

I thought to myself when I read this that Paul was one optimistic guy. This guy has been through so much, yet he keeps going or has this mentality of seeing the positive in even the most trying times of his life. He could say something like, “I’m almost dead, but not dead yet!” and just keep pressing forward.

This past week was the first week we had all the Funky Clubs and it was good! We didn’t really know what to expect out of all the FC because most of the Christian students that we rely on have class during that time or they are going to job interviews. But every time God has given us something to do or someone to meet. I just can only pray for more and more boldness to go reach those students that have never heard about God and his amazing grace.

Each day is a new adventure waiting to happen, but it is up to me how good or bad it will be. I need to prioritize better and not rely on how much I can do on my own, but really remember that my strength comes from God. Yesterday, we had this “Jesus Soldier Entrance Ceremony” thing and we were asked to tell everyone why we wanted to be a Jesus Soldier and what I looked forward to being one. It gave me some time to think about and refresh my memory about why I came here.  I need to constantly remind myself that, though at times it really is work, this is my ministry and that in any and every ministry, there needs to be personal devotion and prayer on my own time.

Going back to 2 Cor. 4, Paul’s optimism truly challenged me to not stay down when I get beat or I fall, but to get right back up and learn from the previous experiences. God is with me and I want to understand that in my whole being. 

Basketball in Japan. Go figure. :P

We played in a tournament with some of the Kandai students and it was fun! We lost, but we pretty much met that day and it was on a Sunday night, so we were pretty tired. Haha... lot of "lost in translation" stuff happening, but it was good! Next time boys! We got this. :)