Time Heals!

I was astonished when I knew that Athanasius defended our faith against the belief of Arians. I only knew him as a saint, now I know that because of him our orthodox faith was preserved. Thanks to him very much, and for that I give him a big round of applause. When I was listening to the discussion about him, deep inside I felt happy of what he did, although I did not like the idea of Arius being expelled in the church but I like him. During my first year here in BTC, I really liked to have debate with another religion about the faith we believe. That time I was very aggressive to have debate thinking that I know everything. By the grace of God I didn't find a person whom I should debate. If God allowed it to happen, surely I would be in shame because I only knew little. I just also learned that Augustine was the one who taught of prevenient grace and was accepted by the Council of Orange on AD 529. This prevenient grace is so biblical that the first time I heard about it, no doubts arose in my mind and heart. God really is in control of everything in this world. To God be the glory!

When God is in control of everything, even the bad things that are happening around us (Christians) will eventually turn into good (Rom. 8:29). I just realized that statement last semester in the subject Doctrinal Synthesis when I was making the Doctrinal statement about the Providence of God. My mind immediately brought me to the church I served before. I was very angry of the church leaders for they never walked their talk. My reaction to that was not good because I left the church with a rebellious attitude. I looked up to them highly with respect for they were the leaders in the church. I thought that the church would not grow not until they all die. I was wrong, thinking, that without me or others who left, the church can't survive. The rebuke of God's word was painful to me but minutes later; it opened my mind and heart that we should not be proud of ourselves of what we did. Even when things were not falling into places where we think it should be, still all things will eventually work out for good especially to those who love Him. Right now, I am happy for the church that God uses those experiences in the past for them to do things that will make them more mature in Christ and have a closer relationship with the church leaders and members, the rich and the poor.

I will pray for them always so that God one day, my expectations for them will be realized. I know for sure that God will use people that will help them achieve their goals in the church for His glory. I still love them, I'm not angry anymore. I thank God for it. It's really true for me, the saying, "Time Heals".

God bless us all!