Looking Forward

The previous week has been the most eventful part of my last summer vacation as a student. It was just great seeing friends that I haven't been with for so long and going places I have never been to. :) Maybe I'll share more on this part later; probably better when I get my photos from my brother (who insisted that I give our camera back to him in Bacolod before I fly back home).

Heartbeat for Christ in Dumaguete was basically the reason (among others) I found myself heading off to Negros island. It was an annual convergence of Christian medical students from all over the country, organized by the Campus Crusade for Christ. I joined with expectations of having a fresh encounter with the Lord and getting my bearings, so to speak, for my internship that lay ahead. Indeed, the Lord met these and gave me more. Here are some of what I learned and re-learned:

• I am to seek first His kingdom and righteousness, and all other things will be added unto me.
• I must not worry or be anxious. It's a waste of time and energy and unbecoming of a Christian!
• Live one day at a time; trust Him one day at a time.
• Pray CONSTANTLY.
• Thank God for everything. Gratitude keeps one from worrying.
• I must make time for God's Word. My soul needs it.
• Remain in Him and bear much fruit.
• In pressing on toward my goal to know Christ more, I must face my faults, forget what is behind, and focus on what lies ahead.

It was truly a refreshing time spent worshipping Him and hearing from His Word. The Lord gave me a resounding reminder that to be a physician is a high calling and an effective tool for ministry. It was also encouraging to find that there are actually many Christians in the country's different medical schools. If we take our calling seriously then this means making a bigger impact for His glory. Wow. :)

I really thank the Lord for this conference and I'm glad I went, even if it was so near the start of internship. I found that it was actually just what I needed before beginning that "last frontier". He recharged me, put me in the right perspective, assured me of His presence and gave me peace. I will survive internship as long as I put my trust in Him always. And so I came home saying, "By faith, I am ready."

Once more I felt His presence as we sang this hymn in church the next day:

Be strong in the Lord, and be of good courage;
Your mighty Defender is always the same.
Mount up with wings, as the eagle ascending;
Vict’ry is sure when you call on His name.

Be strong, be strong, be strong in the Lord;
And be of good courage, for He is your guide.
Be strong, be strong, be strong in the Lord;
And rejoice for the vict’ry is yours.

So put on the armour the Lord has provided;
And place your defense in His unfailing care.
Trust Him, for He will be with you in battle,
Lighting your path to avoid every snare.

Be strong, be strong, be strong in the Lord;
And be of good courage, for He is your guide.
Be strong, be strong, be strong in the Lord;
And rejoice for the vict’ry is yours.

Be strong in the Lord, and be of good courage;
Your mighty commander will vanquish the foe.
Fear not the battle, for the victory is always His;
He will protect you wherever you go.

Be strong, be strong, be strong in the Lord;
And be of good courage, for He is your guide.
Be strong, be strong, be strong in the Lord;
And rejoice for the vict’ry is yours.

In just a few moments, it'll be May 1st. Pedia wards + summertime - clerks = toxic.

Okay Lord, even if there are no clerks yet, we can do this. :) Let me not let stress and toxicity steal my joy.