CFC-Youth preparing themselves to be and bring Christ to their schools during closing Praisefest on February 1, 2014 at St. Bernadette’s Parish in Surrey, BC. (Photo: Jao Dantes)
“We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 (RSVCE)
At this year’s East Cluster Stake for the Nation, I found that the message was loud and clear from opening worship to closing Praisefest. The constant reminder that God will never fail us, and that God will never bring us into something we cannot overcome echoed from the worship leaders to the speakers and to the sharers.
The event had a very motivating feel to it, with each speaker and sharer openly talking about their lives as students, from excelling, to failing, to overcoming said failure in their studies. As each person spoke I couldn’t help but find a similarity in the way they overcame their struggles as students: One commonality, One way to turn things around, One very reliable source of help; this of course is God.
I am sure that I was not the only one who was able to relate with the speakers. I too have had my fair share of failures throughout my studies, but I guess the biggest difference is that when those times came I lacked that extra push because I lost sight of the Lord, losing patience and not understanding that a bad situation could easily turn into a good one had I remained faithful to Him.
This faith was stressed time and time again throughout the event from Jeff Adolfo turning to Mama Mary for her intercession, to Paolo Balce praying during his five minute breaks while studying at Regional Youth Conference, to Thea Respicio praying before, during, and after studying. Through all of their individual and unique struggles, they knew what to do, who to turn to, to help guide them in their calling as student.
With that being said, I am also sure that I am not the only one that had their eyes opened throughout the event as we were constantly reminded of the importance of having God by our side, and establishing a relationship with Him through prayer. It is important to acknowledge that He is very much a part of our studies, just as our teachers and fellow classmates are. But I have no hesitation in saying that He is definitely a bigger and more important part in said education. This to me was emphasized and affirmed because of this event.
I would like to recap this event with this quote from a speaker and a short prayer:
When you embrace the cross [that you carry] it becomes the Holy Cross.” – Session 2 speaker on not complaining and getting frustrated when things get tough
Lord Jesus, My God, I praise and I thank You for the blessing that is my education. I know that as a student it is my highest calling. Allow me to give you glory through this, in giving it my all, and striving for excellence every single day because You deserve nothing less than this. In times of struggle and failure, may I turn away from discouragement or resentment and remain faithful in You. May I always seek You, to establish a relationship with You so that I may understand that everything that happens throughout my days as a student is a blessing, and that Your purpose for me will come in Your time. Allow me to trust in You and remain faithful. Amen.
Rundolph Valentin, CFC-Youth Pacific Region
