A few months ago I watched the popular Netflix show "13 Reasons Why." Although it hit home in some places, I contemplated writing something about it. This show really made me think of those I've lost from suicide and those I have almost lost. Here is a little something for those who need 13 reasons why they should keep fighting their fight.
1. You are loved
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (NIV)
You are so so so loved. Don't you EVER forget that.
2. You have a purpose
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Just because things may not have happened in the best ways, God has a better plan in store. He is using your struggles right now to shape you into what He wants you to become.
3. You are given strength to persevere
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
Don't give in to the world. Stand your ground. Keep going.
4. You will be guided
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." Psalm 32:8 (NIV)
You are always being guided, even when you think you aren't.
5. You are not alone
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)
There are so many people around you who are going through or who have been through the same situation as you. YOU ARE NEVER ALONE.
6. You were created by Him and for Him
"Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." Isaiah 43:7 (NIV)
You once came at a price, but it was taken up to the cross. The God of the heavens and Earth cares for you so dearly.
7. He will take away your worries
"Cast your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Why worry about tomorrow when God has already planned your tomorrow?
8. He will comfort you
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
He is our Good, Good Father. Always.
9. He carries your burdens
"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
Never do we walk alone.
10. He will forgive
"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." Mark 11:25 (NIV)
He forgives the inexcusable in us, so we should forgive the inexcusable in others and ourselves.
11. He gives you hope
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 (NIV)
We have to have hope.
12. He will deliver
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7 (NIV)
Our wonderful God never leaves things unfinished.
13. He dwells in you
"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for God's temple is sacred, and you together are the temple."1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NIV)
God lives in us. We must trust in Him and spread His wonderful word.
