Still Surviving

Author: Meaa

  • The Greatest Gift

    This past Sunday, the pastor was preaching about what love is and is not, based on 1 Corinthians 13.

    He did mention the typical romantic love or the kind that’s easy to give when everything’s going well. However, his emphasis was on real love–the kind that reflects the heart of Jesus.

    It was towards the end of the sermon when he read verses 4 through 7:

    Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

    He paused for a bit, then asked us, “Do you show love to people?” 

    He read the passage again—but this time, he replaced the word love with I.

    I am patient, I am kind. I do not envy, I do not boast, I am not proud. I do not dishonor others, I am not self-seeking, I am not easily angered, I keep no record of wrongs. I do not delight in evil but rejoice with the truth. I always protect, always trust, always hope, always persevere.

    I’ve read the verses many times before, but I’ve never read them like that. Just like that, the verses became a mirror that I dared to look at. 

    We are human, but we are called to be like Jesus. Not just on Sundays or when it’s convenient, but all the time. That’s not easy. It’s not natural. But it’s what we’re here for. To be the light in this dark world. To reflect the kind of love that doesn’t come from us but flows through us when we stay close to Him.

    Song I thought of is called “Love, Love, Love” by Sidewalk Prophets

  • Patience

    Patience is known as just waiting—in a long line, for an answer, for things to get better, etc. However, not only is it about simply enduring time, but it’s about how we endure it.

    While We Wait

    It’s easy to wonder if we’ve been forgotten when prayers seem unanswered, when doors remain closed, and/or when healing feels impossible. But patience reminds us that even in the waiting, something is happening.

    Seeds don’t sprout the moment they are planted, but beneath the soil, growth is taking place. In the same way, God is often working beneath the surface of our lives in ways we cannot yet see.

    But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. – Romans 8:25

    Patience is often linked to faith because it requires trust. Trust is knowing that things will unfold in their own time, that the struggle isn’t in vain, and that what’s meant for us will come when we’re ready.

    Sometimes, patience is about preparing. If we rush ahead, we might not be ready for what we’re asking for.

    For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.– Habakkuk 2:3

    Patience in Trials

    Life brings struggles, but patience reminds us that even trials have a purpose.

    Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. —James 1:2-3

    I understand that it is easier said than done. It is our natural instinct to be upset or frustrated when trials come our way.

    I know I was not in a joyful mood when having cancer treatments. However, I my perseverance grew stronger as I was determined to remove myself with my situation which gave me some joy (the booyahs) as I continued to prove my oncologist wrong thanks to Him.

    Trusting in God’s Timing

    This world is full of instant gratification with the instant messages, fast results, quick fixes. But God doesn’t work on our schedule. His timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t match our expectations as it says in 2 Peter 3:8-9

    When trials come your way, take a deep breath. See it as an opportunity to grow, to strengthen your faith, and to practice gratitude in the now instead of longing only for the future.

    Patience isn’t about passivity, but about endurance, trust, and the quiet belief that good things take time.

    “Patience is not the ability to wait but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.”-Joyce Meyer

  • Little Help Makes a Big Difference

    We’ve all experienced those seasons when our small efforts feel invisible: prayers whispered in silence, kindness offered quietly, actions that seem to go unnoticed. 

    It’s easy to wonder: Does this matter? What’s the point?

    But the song “That’s How You Change the World” by Newsboys reminds us that big change starts with small, meaningful acts. They may seem tiny, but when done with love, they ignite something greater.

    In Matthew 25:40 Jesus said:

    Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

    We might feel like what we offer doesn’t move mountains—but together, those candles we light add up.

    It Does Matter

    Your prayers. A listening ear. A quiet act of kindness. A heartfelt encouragement. These are seeds and God multiplies them.

    He sees our hearts behind the smallest gestures and works in ways we can’t always trace.

    What if the small acts are the very acts God uses to spark hope?

    Community in the Quiet

    Let’s keep doing these small, faithful things—even when no one applauds. Let’s keep praying, even when the room seems empty. Let’s keep loving, especially when it’s hard.

    God sees our hearts (Matthew 6) behind the smallest gestures. It might just light up someone else’s world.