Why need God? And why not?

I have observed, and I have seen we humans are fragile and vulnerable beneath. All of us are writing our story of life, and not everyone has it together. Sometimes with a lot of pain, doubts, sorrows, fear and at times we find ourselves on cloud nine. It’s the cycle of life, gradually making us seek for deeper connection with the world. My story isn’t particularly novel and distinctive, I’m on a quest, exploring and experiencing what life has bestow us. We are all here for a purpose, with the purpose of life. ‘For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.’ (Ephesians 2:10).
Life’s a rollercoaster, with sudden drops and exhilarating highs. Sometimes we find ourselves soaring, and suddenly plummeting to our lows. When I was younger, I believed that adulthood was all that it takes to reach the milestones, and that it’s the key to living life in peace. As my dimensions got wider, I came to a clear understanding that it brings more questions than answers. In fact, it will get more messier, clutter and lot more responsibilities. But just as God states in John 16:33, ‘In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.’ The truth is, our life is not going to get easier nor will it be always on edge.
And it is in such challenges we find our strength and growth. This is what keeps our spirit alive and enhance the beauty of life. Most importantly, we receive the divine touch of our Lord, His unconditional love towards our imperfections and His gentle assurance that we are never alone. We must never forget that in Him only will we find peace and eternity. It is through our creator we will find meaning of life, who is fully aware of us and loves us unconditionally. Our life makes sense only through our creator, for he tests us but also reminds that we humans are incredibly resilient and hold a special place among all His creations.
Let’s keep a clear understanding of the people around us, sometimes who appear the toughest often harbors and carry unseen wounds buried inside them. Indeed, we allow surface impressions, and rush to judgement and assumptions quickly without deeper thoughts. Even the strict boss in your office, the bothersome neighbor, the pessimistic friend amongst your circle, the gossiping aunt, the drunkard, the taunting elders, the spoilt child, the proud facade- all silently carrying their tender vulnerabilities. What seems on the outside isn’t always what’s inside, they, like anyone else struggle to juggle between the reality and the outside world. This is where our kindness and gentleness persist, encouraging us to become better humans fulfilling the purpose set by our Lord and for ourselves. By doing so, we’ll dive a little deeper next time with empathy and grace filled our hearts. We will view the world in a completely different picture, mirroring oneself with another individual that we are all navigating the same route. Fighting over own battles, having our own shared of struggles and challenges. In order to thrive and achieve greater heights, lets bite the bullet for one another allowing and offering strength and support for growth and success. Nothing is more exuberating than living out our life’s purpose, and seen the impact on someone else life- knowing that a little step of good deeds creates a ripple effect, a chain of hope and inspiration for another individual.
The realm of life that resides within us can create powerful changes and strength that nothing can really diminish them. We are built with vigor and endurance which we cannot fathom. When employed it sensibly, thoughtfully, prudently the universe itself will cease to work on its own. That’s how powerful humanity can create a positive influence. ‘Look within! The secret is inside you’ (Hui-Neng). Indeed, the secret within us is inevitable to incredible changes.
Everybody is a work in progress, we break, we fall, but find our way right back to stand and rise again. This cycle has become a part of our life’s journey. Why do we persist? Why do we keep getting back up? Why do we never give in? because we are resilient with faith and where there is faith, there is God. It is our deep belief that no matter how, what circumstances we are thrown to, the God of triumph, will never leave our side. He watches over us, His mercy and compassion follow us through. He walks besides us offering hope, strength, peace and love even during our overwhelming trails. May we never lose faith over good things that’s been designed for us. Even during hopelessness and times of troubled, let’s not falter instead bind our hearts unto His word and the courage to press on.
As I navigate my phase of change and hurdles, I seek for the strength to withstand my fears and doubts. The wisdom to understand that this is a world of suffering and God who promise us that everything has a time, that everything unfolds in its appointed time – a time to sow, and a time to reap. Each hardship we endure is a lesson in disguise, molding us, shaping us, enriching our understanding, wising us.
Though it is often told that we must ‘stay strong’, it’s easier said than done. Its far more difficult than it sounds when you’re in the middle of the storm. It takes a lot of numerous collective thoughts, courage and to brave it. Translating it into actions is far more challenging than the adversities and setbacks we had to withstand during the process. But while we can endure it with much grit and determination, why do we suffer to offer ourselves the grace of a second chance? We are bound to triumph in our battles by His boundless mercies, and fashioned wonderfully in His image to fulfill the purpose of this world. So, if we grow faint, and our spirits grow weary who will take up the role, the calling He lovingly entrusted us? Let’s live together in faith, uplift one another in spirit, show our greater side of humanity and live accordingly by His word.
You and I, our story does not stop here, happy endings are never promised, so is our sufferings.
Hebrews 11:1 states “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see”. Faith resides within us. Miracles take shape through faith.
Neimeno Luho
Ph.D Scholar