ever felt like you've done so SO so much reflection and soul-searching, that when you sit down before your laptop to post a blog you end up not being able to?
*laugh* happens to me all the time.
but today is a day to post.
are you right now charting the course for a new year ahead, and there are so many decisions just waiting for you to make? if yes, you're not alone. 2007 has been a year of transition for many of us, more so than some years. perhaps i refer to those in malaysia when i say this. and transition may mean uncertainty, loss of clarity, goal assessment, change in career or location, direction-seeking, etc. now that we're at the threshold of 2008, life will get more exciting than ever. oh, i'm sure! and are you feeling just a tad unsure whether you're hearing God right, or when you thought you were clear some minor occurrences seem to pop up causing some doubt in your heart? maybe you're frustrated as you wait on the Lord and still find yourself back to square one? if yes, you're not alone.
you're probably getting the idea - 'aha! janice is in the same dilemma.' wow! how'd you guess?! well, personal details aside, i've got something to share that may encourage your hearts to wait, and wait on still. been reading through the OT, found such jewel-bits that spoke to me in volumes never before heard. i'll pick on samuel, that young prophet who heard God when visions were rare. God doesn't always speak the way we expect, huh? and three times God called lil' sam! good thing eli figured out it was God, otherwise "david as king" might not have happened...i mean, that's when samuel's journey as a prophet started, right? on he grew in his destiny, and through him david's destiny was sealed. or rather, oiled *grin* david was such an eccentric, even before sam anointed him. such a character, i love him! but you see, if i were even HALF like david, i would've SO doubted i heard God rightly. i'd be like, "i thought you said this would happen??" or "didn't you tell me that...??!" he knew God spoke of his calling, he knew God's plan for his career/life, there seemed to be confirmations along the way...but boy, he had to wait. and so long! two times he could've sped things up a bit. kill off saul and tada! the throne's yours, o dave! if you read on 1 and 2 samuel, notice how many times he'd ask God before battles. the victory's sure when you seek the Lord surely.
i know God wants me to know which decision is right; He doesn't sway, He doesn't give wrong directions, He doesn't play with your mind. note: (1) every decision, pray decisively. don't be afraid to articulate your desires BOLDLY and UNASHAMEDLY. i need to learn this so much. (2) ask for confirmation through people, scripture, etc. but trust your own discerning heart to make sound judgment for your future. (3) take concrete steps in faith toward what you're praying for, while being open to other options if any. (4) be prepared to wait VERY patiently and claim that peace of God will be yours when you settle into the best decision.
still charting my course, yet to see shore but it's there over the horizon...heard the phrase "life is fragile, handle with prayer"? i say life is adventurous, navigate with prayer. land ahoy!
someone very wise said last week, "it's a matter of time, not a matter of heart." huh? what does that mean? it means when your heart is set on something (i.e. dream, goal, etc.), don't over the course of time let that slip away or disintegrate but trust in the right time it will come to fruition. although occasionally disillusioned, or maybe you may refine it a bit, it doesn't mean your passion has changed or you've lost sight of it. let your heart stay faithful. it's a matter of time. that was like woah! i'll pray abt 2008 with that!
preparing for Eklektos' EMERGENT camp Dec 8-10, during which i will speak at 3-4 sessions focusing on Acts 2:42-47 and Joel 2:28 (the NT in 'EMERGENT' being New Testament), along with other facilitators. we're preparing for a mighty outpouring of Holy Spirit on every one of the 60+ campers and to see these followers of Jesus Christ be imparted with supernatural faith and walk in radical obedience. God is gonna break mindsets of the 'old' and pour in the 'new'; it is time to rethink our ecclesiology and retool in unity to prepare God's army for revival harvest - like a pitstop and a boiling kettle. it is time! if you're reading this and will pray for us, don't pray gentle, mild prayers - i ask for your radical & passionate intercession on our behalf to the Father.
P/S: please pray for the kampung air villagers that stay within walking distance from my house in tanjung aru. many were forced to evacuate on Nov 26 when the seawater level rose and big waves struck down some wooden bridges and houses. the weather department has given a warning that there would be another 'wave of destruction' (pardon the pun) this Dec 25 (at least that's what some of these villagers told me). ask that it not happen, that we can praise God who is in control of all elements.
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