29 Years of Learning

There is no end to learning. No matter how old you get, it's never too late to try new things and acquire new skills. I think that makes life even more exciting.

Over the years of learning and growing, I would always find new interests that would challenge me to broaden my horizons. Occupying myself with unlimited learning, this inquisitive mind would arouse my curiosity to explore more. Exploring the world beyond what I know brings new learning experiences. And learning experience comes with a lesson. These life lessons deepen my understanding of my Savior.

Admiring the example of Jesus as an excellent student in Luke 2, I've learned the value of these lessons. These lessons equipped me with a list of guiding principles on how to face today and the days to come.

Navigate life with the Word of God

Psalm 119:105

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Matthew 4:4

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Recognize the One who controls all circumstances

Ecclesiastes 3:11
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time.
Luke 22:41-42
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

Remember the sufferings of Christ in times of difficulties

Isaiah 53:3
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 
Romans 8:17-18
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Allow the storms of life to refine you

I Peter 1:7
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
James 1:12
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Embrace the beauty defined by God

Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
I Thess 3:12-13
And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
Hebrews 13:20-21
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Claim the Lord's deliverance when misplaced guilt overtakes

John 8:10-11
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go and sin no more.
Galatians 1:4
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.

Make God's priority the priority

John 4:34
Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work.
II Timothy 1:9
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.

Keep the focus on Christ's promised victory

Titus 2:13
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hold fast to the unchanging Truth

I John 5:20
And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

It is a long process of learning, and 29 years may not be enough for me to master these life lessons. I have failed many tests. But as proclaimed to Moses in Exodus 34:6 and acknowledged by David in Psalm 86:15, the Lord is always good and patient to continue His work in me. In this course of life, there is nothing sweeter than knowing more about Jesus.