Have you exerted enough effort in all your endeavour?

About two Saturdays ago, my professor confronted me in front of the class regarding my performance in class. It so happened I was on deck for recitation after my delayed submission of class card (I realized I haven’t submitted it yet), and there were questions I wasn’t able to answer which seemed so easy for my classmates (judging from their responses while the question was being asked). At that point, I felt embarrassed but not because of what my professor said but rather because of my classmates’ responses and that thought of whether or not I have already exerted the effort needed for me to perform well in school… and that thought didn’t stop there.

If I were to depend on my feelings, I’d say I am a total loser in class that day. But the reminder from my prof made me realize more… It wasn’t just in class that I was slacking off. More than the laziness I have been dealing with, I realized most of it was lack of motivation and due to procrastination on what I needed to do. My studies were affected, and as much as most of my classmates think I have been too preoccupied on other things, in all honesty, I also held myself back from giving effort on work, ministry, and even on my quiet time with the Lord.

I was really lazy… slacking off here and there.

While my emotions may have called me a loser, somehow, my thoughts reminded me of my value in Christ and how I have made it this far to give up. I may have paused from reading my Bible recently including updating my journal, but the Word which I have read in the past, the accountability I have received all these years from Christian friends, and even my family and relative’s support and love, helped me reflect and realize that all the challenges I face now is but a phase…and a wake-up call to exert more effort not only on my studies but in all that I do.

The enemy is cunning and is indeed a thief… but the Lord and His Word is our safeguard. If I have allowed myself that day to let my emotions dictate how I should think of myself, I would have felt more anxious and feed my depression…praise God somehow my thoughts started convicting me the need to go to church the next day. What’s surprising though was I was able to arriving the next day earlier than any of my churchmates (I was one hour early haha). That’s when I saw no matter how or what the enemy does to hinder me from pursuing the best me, God will make sure He saves me on time… I just have to trust on Him more–exert more effort in trusting what He says and working on my relationship with Him. I am His child after all.

That one Saturday my professor called my attention and told me to exert more effort was not a curse but rather a blessing. It was not to emphasize my shortcomings but rather to help me reflect on my strength. While my classmates and professors may be unaware of all the battles I have faced that led me to slack off, the Lord continues to use that moment to remind me I have the potential to get back on track and even do better.

We may be tired most of the time or distracted or conflicted and even discouraged. But know that the Lord is sovereign and will make sure you are reminded, empowered, and made victorious. You just have to exert more effort to move forward!