Our devotions this Easter season come from members of Faith Lutheran Church. Today’s writer is Alice Tian.
“I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:10-13
Every year, around March, eighth graders eagerly await the results of their high school applications. This year, I am one of those eighth graders.
On March 23, I found out that I was admitted to the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA). HSPVA is special in that admission is based on audition only. I auditioned for both dance and piano, and I was accepted for piano. Personally, I feel that I am stronger in dance, so this was very unexpected. Still, I’m thankful that I was able to get into HSPVA at all, because it is such a prestigious school.
In the verses from the letter written by Paul to the Phillipians, Paul states that he has learned to be content with what he has and that he can do all things through God. It’s often hard to put this kind of trust into the Lord. We want to live by our own will, do things by ourselves, but the Lord has a plan. God’s plan doesn’t always match ours, though, and that’s where trust comes in.
We need to trust that the Lord’s plan is the best plan. Life is full of unexpected moments like being accepted into HSPVA for piano instead of dance, and we just have to accept it and go down that path.
When surprises, good or bad, come into your life, trust that this is all part of God’s plan and that God will be with you through all of it, providing strength and guidance.
Let us pray: Lord, thank you for all you have provided. Help me to trust in you and your plan for me and to be content in what I already have. Amen.
Daily Devotions 
May 26, 2017 at 6:12 am |
I’m so proud of you. HSPVA is truly one of the most prestigious high schools in Houston. Congratulations. And thank you for your beautiful devotion.
May 27, 2017 at 4:37 am |
Miss Tian, you have given us a personal insight into what it means to trust in God’s plan for us. We cannot project into the future but our Lord knows our past, our present and our future. You have learned this at a more tender age than some of us. You are to be congratulated not only on your acceptance to HSPVA, which is an honor and an achievement, but on your understanding of what it means to trust in our Lord’s plan. May your future be truly blessed.
May 27, 2017 at 4:54 am |
For Alice Tian:
“And I am sure the God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in His grace until His task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns.” Philippians 1:6
“For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants.” Philippians 2:13