Euwilla Judeen S. Mercado BS Accountancy I REED10 Fr. Joseph B.

Anore Roadblocks

July 8, 2012

God created man by His image and likeness and put man to bear rule over what He has created. From these, this shows man and God had already built a bond of trust, love, compassion and faith. Even our forefathers (Moses, Abraham, Noah and Jesus Christ) were able to talk and have a unique bond with God. Thousands of years after God created man; I have observed that man continues to live in this world that God has created but the bond of God and man that was once strong is becoming feeble. During our take-up in this course, the most striking or appealing topic of which was the Reasons why man forgets, overlooks and rejects the bond between God. Yes, simple but rather intriguing. I consider these reasons as Roadblocks between the bond of God and man. Just like roadblocks, these reasons hinder or restrain us from communicating to our Lord. Though young as I am, I am very much aware in seeing a world full of people which neglect this bond. In our topic, there were 9 reasons given why man forgets, overlooks and rejects this bond and one of which gives relevance to me. This is the existence of trials and difficulties. I know trials and difficulties or tribulations are just forms of Gods love for us. But we people misinterpret it as a sign that God doesnt love us. These things make us weak and make our faith brittle in such way, making trials and difficulties considered as roadblocks. I see people who were Christians and yet now they converted themselves into other religions or converted

themselves into nonbelievers of His Name. Even I myself experience trials, difficulties and downfalls which led me to almost letting go to the bond which I and God have. I have been an active member of the Youth for Christ for four years now; God often times tests me to prove how willing am I to serve Him. Just like my Christian Living teacher, Maam Necit, would say, If you serve the Lord, you are more challenged and more exposed to temptations. He tests me a lot. Often times I forget God when Im suffering. I even skip my prayer time because of that feeling. I feel forced when I hear mass, prayer meetings, fellowships and etc because of the existence of these trials. I thought I have a huge faith yet it stumbles when it is tested. I even question Him at times why all things I never wanted are happening to me. There came a time when I stopped my habit of having church visits every after classes. But Gods love truly prevailed, for He replied to me through the verse of Matthew, With man this is impossible but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). I first read this verse when I was given a talk in our youth camp at the Cor Jesu Seminary in Dipolog. It was entitled Gods Love and His Plan for us. Through that, I regained my strength. If you will just believe in Him, Hell do everything for you. I was just lacking the belief that I can survive the trials and difficulties. Even up to now, God continues to challenge me and gives me even tougher ones. I am now stronger yet I know itll be altered again by trials. Thats why I must act upon it and must take a stand to endure and remain firm to whatever challenges laid. I must always carry the armor of the Lord to face whatever roadblocks I will encounter for he said, Blessed is the man who stands up under trial; for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12).