Finding the Sweetest Part in the Bitterness

     Following Jesus, the sweetest experience comes in the middle of life’s difficulties. We know that in this world, we will face many hard moments that can make us feel discouraged. But it’s a completely different experience when we walk with Jesus! 💜

    Without removing the pain that we are experiencing, but by involving Him in that experience, we will find sweetness within it, and that alone is more than enough to restore our spirit!💪😇

    One time, I had to make a very hard decision: 'God or family,' in terms of my life’s calling. I clearly remember that night, feeling a heavy heart because of how much I loved my family, and I knew that God understood how deep my love for them. At the same time, I wanted to follow the calling God had given me. 😭

That night, God reminded me of this verse :

Matthew 10:37 (NIV):

"Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."

I felt an intense sorrow in my heart at that time because of this verse, and that night, I wrestled. 😩😥😢😭

        To make a long story short, I decided to follow God’s calling. I knew the risks, and the worst thing that could happen was that my relationship with my family might be broken. When my parents found out, they were very angry with me. For a while, we didn’t communicate, and I could only surrender in prayer to God. God also sent Godly friends who supported me in prayer and I'm so grateful for that.

        Do you know, after a while of not communicating, one of my parents contacted me and said, 'I agree with your life choice. Could you come home for a day to talk with the family?' I immediately agreed and didn’t hesitate. This is where I experienced the sweetest moment. During a family meeting, one of my parents was still very angry with me, but the other one who had initially strongly opposed my decision acknowledged how God had opened her/his eyes and heart, showing her/him, that God truly wanted to use me in this way.

        It was she/he who spoke on my behalf to my family in the meeting, and I just remained silent. In that moment, God’s promise came to my mind:

Exodus 14:14 (NIV):

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." 

        I truly experienced that promise at that moment. My heart was filled with joy, and I was speechless. God was working for me and my family. I truly believe that it was the Spirit of God working in the hearts of my parents and even my family. 💓💓

        One of my parents, who was very angry with me, calmed down. Then it was my turn to speak. I clearly remember at that moment, I simply said, 'I am very grateful to be born into this family because through this family, I have gained valuable experiences that I will never forget. Thank you.'

        After that meeting, we prayed together, and I immediately began my way back to my mission field. It is true when God says that His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His plans are not our plans when we let Him take over all our life. 

        I thought my relationship with my family would be broken when I chose God, but it wasn’t, and we still have a good relationship today. But remember, the devil doesn't stay quiet; he tries hard to ruin this relationship. I hope you are all blessed, and I believe we all have the chance to experience sweetness in the middle of life’s struggles. Let’s continue this journey together with Him :)