I met a friend today. And I came to a realisation. That really, being a Christian is not just about professing your faith. It is what you do and how you have changed lives because your life has been changed.

Stepping out of school has forced me to grow up. In fact, everyday of our lives we are being forced to grow up. We can choose to ignore that nudge, we can choose to procrastinate. But when we are placed in a situation where we can no longer play ignorance or procrastinate, you know it is REALLY time to grow up.

Some people are not strong enough. They are unable to cross that barrier. Some manage to overcome and they emerge stronger than before. Encouragement and support from loved ones play a major role, but strength and courage from God should be the main power source.

I am facing an obstacle now. So often, I feel helpless and unsure. This loneliness and aimlessness drive me to tears. I find it so difficult to stand up and walk on my own because I suddenly realise, that all this while, I have not been walking on my own. I am still stuck at the crawling stage. The temptation to give up is overwhelming and self pity drops by so frequently that it probably became my buddy without even me knowing it.

But today, my friend reminded me that I'm not alone. How many out there go through worse trials than I do? How many out there face similar situations as I do? I ought to be thankful that what I'm going through is only a little pinch. I ought to be thankful that I'm given this opportunity to learn and grow. Because after this, I will emerge stronger. I will learn an experience that I can in turn, share with others. I can offer help and encouragement to others going through the same thing I've been through, which is really, what life should be about-- to help one another and to be able to be a part of a hope that rebuilds another life.

My friend is part of that hope. He finds great satisfaction in knowing that he has been a part of building up someone else's life. If an unbeliever can do that and find contentment in it, shouldn't it all the more be the case for believers? It is probably, the blessing that God is trying to pour over us. It is probably, the purpose we are seeking so hard for.

Pray, believe, and act.

I am a hypocrite writing this. But I hope this will not be a permanent fact. I hope soon, I can proudly proclaim that what I have written here is a proven truth.