a gentle response

I see how you are working hard day and night. I know it's difficult for you to see the purpose in all that you do sometimes. So let Me remind you of something- a mindset that you may have lost during the past few months. All that you are doing during this season- none of it should be done thinking "this is for me". John, this is for Me. And for them. You remember those nights I would plant thoughts into your mind- dreams of how you could use all of your time, resources, education, everything to bless those around you all for the purpose of bringing Me glory. You were so full of joy during those moments and your posture of worship was marked with praise upon praise, thanksgiving upon thanksgiving. Don't you remember constantly lifting your brothers and sisters up in prayer with such an eagerness that you could hardly even pray for yourself? Yes, I have called you to take on your responsibilities as a student and that requires hours of studying, but to suddenly stop praying to Me? No, you have been confused- anxiously needing to take control over everything based on your own strength. As a result, you have grown bitter, thinking that in order for you to achieve the goals that I set for you, you need to change into a cold-hearted machine cut off from all of your relationships. You are driven by the goal of getting a good job so that you can use what you earn to provide for others and give to the church, which is a great motivation. But that doesn't mean that until you get there, you are licensed to act like you are not My child. Do you not remember that I have called you to great suffering, but also to a greater joy in Jesus? Don't miss out on this opportunity here and now to enjoy Him. After all, you're not promised another day, you're not promised another chance to love others, you're especially not promised a job. So stop grumbling over all of these little things and realize My new mercies for you even at this very moment. I love you. No matter what the paper says or no matter how many times you fail, I will always love you. Trust in that truth.