The Power of Faith

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In the darkest moments, admist the deepest struggles, and through heartbreaks, we hopelessly question our existence. It is through faith, passion, and understanding in the guidance of the Lord, that we are able to pull ourselves away from the vast seas of darkness.

In an interview I conducted with a fellow Christian, I recieved many enlightening responses.

"How does Faith effect you Academically?"

He responds: "Educationally, I find myself working more efficiently. Faith has blessed me with the ability to reject time consuming distractions, such as IM's, social networking; and allowed me to find fulfillment in something else other than today's media norms."

He also adds: "Specifically: In high school, being active in many school events such as: Basketball team, several academic courses, peer tutor, volunteering in numerous church activities, and a relationship.My relationship with God, through faith has helped me get through the stressful times. Faith allowed me to focus my energies into the tasks which needed to be completed rather than the temptations that lurked within the shadows. Time management, and endurance are evident as during some weeks, getting only a mere 5 hours of sleep; having faith that the Lord believes and provides for me strength I am able to resist the temptation of sleep and maintain a steady level of concentration throughout all courses." 

Nowadays, everyone places joy within certain posessions, people, or even grades. And in the example of grades, being one most relevant to students; those who choose to place their joy in the acquisition of higher academic performance, find depression when the tangibility of perfection slips through their hands. In contrast, when people place their joy and faith into a higher power such as that of the Lord, they will never experience dissatisfaction and dissapointment, because the definition of the Lord is a being which will never fail; as quoted in the Bible: "The Joy of the Lord is your Strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).

Discussing now the impact Faith has on a personal life, continuing with the questions, once again:

"How does Faith in the Lord impact your personal life?"

"Faith in the Lord has provided me better posture in the presence of others. Allowing me to present myself in a manner which conveys calmness and understanding. Teaching me to look past myself, and taking comfort in the joy of others."

Mark (9: 35) "Whoever wants to be first must take last place, and be the servant of everyone else." 

This quote describes how faith in the Lord means the Lord wishes that you be great in the qualities of love, caring, sacrifice, and moral excellence; not that of selfish excellence in which we bring glory to ourselves, and not to that of the Lord, as stated in "Psalm 23."

The power of faith at it's most magnificent presence shows: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13.

In times of struggle as we students transform from the confused stages of adolesence to the mature realization of adulthood, having the presence of Faith gives strength unknown to us before, enlightens us to a level of paitence and love, and places purpose back into a life mislead by temptation and deciept. 

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, 
       he leads me beside quiet waters,

 3 he restores my soul. 
       He guides me in paths of righteousness 
       for his name's sake.

 4 Even though I walk 
       through the valley of the shadow of death,
       I will fear no evil, 
       for you are with me; 
       your rod and your staff, 
       they comfort me.

 5 You prepare a table before me 
       in the presence of my enemies. 
       You anoint my head with oil; 
       my cup overflows.

 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me 
       all the days of my life, 
       and I will dwell in the house of the Lord 
       forever.