no.126 130903 Thank you for my preschool department pastor

Looking through my missions journal. I have to share my testimony this Sunday.

I love it when my friends and family encourage me. It has extra effect when they do it by sharing their testimony or through verses in the Bible.

Well, I got one today from my pastor of the preschool department, where I serve as a teacher. Since I was sick last Sunday, I had to let her know of my absence so her and other teachers can take care of my class. Anyways, I got an unexpected email from her that she was worried about me. In the email, she also shared a verse from Psalm 103.

Praise the Lord, my soul;

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the Lord, my soul,

and forget not all his benefits -

who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:1-5)

I'm thankful for my thoughtful pastor, her words of encouragement, and also for the Bible verse she shared with me. I remember being thankful even the times I was sick. For example, when I got sick in Mexico, I was thankful that I got sick after the completion of the ministry. Another time was this past Good Friday. I got food poisoned so I was sick in bed for a few days (thankfully, I got better for my confirmation on Easter Sunday!). Yet, I was thankful because it reminded me of how much pain and suffering Jesus went through to bear the cross for me. Compared to what He went through, what I was going through was nothing. Well, this time, I was more worried than thankful. I was worried that my family will keep associating my sickness to Mexico, which will hinder me from going on future mission trips. But still, I thanked God for my family who took care of me. Yes, I still complained while I was sick - asking questions like why me and why now. However, we shouldn't forget to praise God for his greatness even the times we are sick. Even in these times of sufferings - whether they are physical or spiritual, know that God has purpose in each mountain you are facing. In fact, it's through these hardships where we really grow in God and become more like Jesus as God shapes our character. So we should really be thankful!