Syke’s Faith

20/05/2024

Bug-at na ba kaayo?..

Much of what we go through in life feels very heavy. The burdens God calls us to carry can be so overwhelming that they seem like crushing us to pieces. We carry the weight of our own sins, the shame of doing wrong, and the pain of failing to do right. We also bear the burden of other people's sins as they hurt us, sometimes on purpose and sometimes through mishaps. We deal with grief, loss, sickness, and sorrow, with our unhealthy bodies and troubled minds, with broken relationships and shattered dreams. At times, we all struggle under the heavy load because we rely on our own strength when the strength that we have is not ours to begin with.

In tough times, we turn to God for help and hold on to His promises to support and lift us. We might yearn for God to take our burdens away. But that’s not what He promised.

God’s promise is not to remove the burden from us, but to support us as we carry it. His promise is not to free us from our troubles—not yet—but to give us the strength to handle them for as long as He sees fit. God’s promise is not to take away the burden, but to help us so we don’t have to fear stumbling or falling.

God takes us through pain, through sorrows, through persecution, through all manner of deep and dark valleys.

Bug-at na ba kaayo?
“Cast your burden on the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22).

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14/05/2024

Trying to manage everything on your own can be exhausting.

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Believe me, I know. I often say I trust God, but I find myself overwhelmed, trying to control and fix everything by myself. This turns my trust into a mere statement rather than a lived reality. Self-reliance kicks in, and I end up feeling even more drained.

If you resonate with this, you’ll relate to the story of Asa, the king of Judah in 2 Chronicles 16. Asa’s story is a powerful reminder. Our past declarations of faith don’t guarantee we will rely on God in the future.

Faith is a daily, ongoing choice.

Sometimes, when life gets tough, we wonder if God is aware of what we’re going through. Fear often makes us forget God’s past faithfulness. That's why we need to look back and trace God’s hand in our lives. Remembering His faithfulness can reassure us that He will be faithful again (Hebrews 10:35-36). This is true not only in our personal lives but throughout Scripture.

Let’s not just declare our faith; let’s live it out, believing that God is good, faithful, and trustworthy.

Let’s stop trying to fix things our way and start fixing our eyes on God (Isaiah 26:3). We can find rest in Him.

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12/05/2024

Happy mother’s day to all of you mothers!

Growing up, I lost count of how many times I heard it—the universal warning that all mothers seem to give at some point: "Wait until you have children, then you'll understand." It's usually said in moments of deep frustration and looking back, even as kids, we could see how our mischief tested their patience. Yet, it's only when we become parents ourselves that we truly grasp the depth of a mother's love.

A mom's love shines bright in the joyful smile of her little one takes those early steps, or speaks their first word. Her phone is full of snapshots of these special moments, ready to share with loved ones.

Even if kids don't always get it, a mom's constant reminders—like tidying up or finishing homework—are rooted in her desire for their well-being. She wants them to learn responsibility and make wise choices. Her love shines through in the countless sacrifices she makes.

They may not have the richness of material wealth, but their hearts overflow with treasures of love, resilience, and unwavering devotion. Every day, they rise with a spirit that conquers challenges and embraces the unknown with a smile. Like the verse in Proverbs 31:25, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”

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Faith is the belief that the sun will rise again despite present darkness. 🌸

11/05/2024

How are you doing?

Me: Barely hanging… yet, holding on.

Life seems to have a habit of throwing curveballs that test our resolve. Moments when everything seems to unfold, leaving us hanging by a thread. However, it is also in these moments that true strength become visible—not in grand gestures, but in the quiet determination to hold on, even when it feels impossible.

So, to all of you whose barely hanging but still holding on—your perseverance is proof of every human spirit's unflinching will.

Keep hanging, you might just see things from a different angle. 😉

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10/05/2024

Finding strength in Chaos

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In the whirlwind of life, she stands tall,
A mother balancing work and family's call.
With a heart of gold and hands that juggle,
She weaves magic in chaos, a modern-day struggle.

In moments quiet, when the world's at rest,
She finds solace in family, feeling truly blessed.
For in the chaos, she discovers her might,
A mother's strength, a guiding light.

So here's to the mothers who do it all,
Whose love and courage never stall.
In work and family, they find their way,
Walking through life's maze, come what may.
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10/05/2024

Let's teach our kids real skills.

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10/05/2024

Where do I fit in?..

In our expedition to find our place in this world, it's easy to feel lost or uncertain. Sometimes, we search in all the wrong places, seeking validation, purpose, or belonging in external things. But maybe our true place isn't in this world at all—it's in our connection with something greater, with God.

When we lean into our faith and seek God, we find a sense of anchoring and purpose that goes beyond worldly measures. We realize that our worth isn't determined by achievements, possessions, or societal standards. Rather, it's rooted in the unconditional love and acceptance we receive from our Creator.

In God, we discover a place of belonging that transcends any temporary struggles or uncertainties we face. We find comfort in knowing that we are deeply known, understood, and valued. On this grip, we can sail across the challenges of life with courage, resilience, and a sense of peace, knowing that our ultimate place is in Him.

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09/05/2024

On a day like this😩

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I admit, I am someone who finds it hard to stay still. We're wired to solve problems, keep pushing forward, and make things happen. We are fixers. Staying calm is a skill, and isn't my strong suit.

But in this verse from Psalm, there's a profound invitation in the call to be still — it's an invitation to surrender.

It's about releasing the illusion of control and fully relying on God. Letting go of our tight hold on the situation and what might come of it, and instead trusting God, who has control over both.

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