Come find rest

08/06/2018

I lay on my bed, sheltered from the storm outside, as I type this message. I hear the loud claps of thunder and see the strikes of lightning. My heart is as heavy as the rain lashing against my windows. I feel burdened by the plight of those around me—for those wandering in the dark and in the storm.

This summer I had the opportunity to pursue neuroscience research at the University of Michigan. As my 10-week program comes to an end, I reflect on my experience: the awesome and very curious people I've met, the daily work in a well-equipped lab, the questions and experiments I pursued, the cool events I attended among other things. I realize that while the questions I had attempted to answer were of the mind and the brain, I leave with answers about the heart.

Following the end of my sophomore year, I entered the summer with uncertainty about the future and with many questions. Some in regards to the career path I should pursue, my Christian walk, and how to make an impact in the lives of people. I recall that in the few weeks leading to my arrival for my summer program, I was down, tired, and sad. I pinned it down to the remnants of the emotional and mental struggles of finals week. I prayed to God to remove that feeling from me and was led to read the book of Ecclesiastes. I found myself agreeing with the author about how meaningless many things in life are. The author seemed to reaffirm my feelings and frustrations.

"Vanity!" It rang in my head as truth. Yet even in my cynicism, I found myself hoping for certain inspiration! Perhaps, a stroke of lightning that would illuminate and restore meaning to the little things in life that I once perceived as beautiful.

I arrived at the end of Ecclesiastes and the conclusion of the matter was: to fear God and obey His commandments. I thought it quite an abrupt ending. "Fear God and obey His commandments. For this is man's ALL." I understood but was slightly unsatisfied. I soon saw though, that mankind's ALL—God—is He who gives meaning to this life. In the midst of pain and suffering, knowing God leads us to love Him and extend that love to one another. To bear with one another and strengthen each other even in the midst of uncertainty. For God reflected His own love for us by sending Christ to save us, thus bringing purpose to the broken world we live in.

Upon arriving in Michigan, I was excited to delve into the research to see if pursuing a Ph.D. in the field was for me. Deep in my heart, I held also that I would use this time to seek the Lord. I was rather surprised to receive an extraordinary revelation! That night, or early morning, a flash of light ran across my eyes, and then I awoke to the sound of trumpets. I jumped out of bed and from my lips, I started proclaiming, "He is here! Christ is here!" Deep in my heart, I also uttered quick prayers of forgiveness as a last-minute remedy for the known and unknown acts of rebellion that I had taken part in my whole life to that point. I spoke in the Spirit uttering words that were not my own. I was joyful and ready, knowing my Christ had redeemed me. It was then, I heard Christ's voice--not an audible one but one within my heart. A kind of chastening for my selfishness. Christ reminded me that there are so many people who do not know Him and would not have made it if indeed He had come at that time. He placed the sense of urgency in my heart to tell people of His unexplainable love for ALL!

It was here that I found my calling! Jesus Christ has shown me His heart for people, and He is calling ALL of us to come as we are—to reach out to Him while His hands are still outstretched, and to continue in obedience and wholehearted devotion to Him! His redeeming power and love are so overwhelming and it is my prayer that anyone reading this will come to know! Oh, if only you knew how much He loves you and is waiting for you to draw near to Him by turning away from sin! It is Christ who gives meaning to this life and the next! He has shown me how deeply He cares for people, and how life here on earth is meaningful preparation for the eternal life that is to come.

Receive this gift of eternal salvation and a relationship with Him because there is so much at stake--our very souls in fact! Turn away from sin and learn from God the real way of life and living. Stop making yourself His enemy by your works. Breakdown in humility and godly sorrow and arise as a new creature free from sin and walking in faithful love and obedience to God!

I think it humorous that God revealed all of this to me during this time of pursuing neuroscience research. I still see His work everywhere and around me! He is indeed what gives meaning to this life. Everything I've encountered so far is so-real! For the love of what Christ loves—people—I will continue to proclaim and remind everyone of this opportunity Christ is giving to ALL! Please come find shelter in Him amidst the storms of this life!

"And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely." - Revelations 22:17