Refined as GOLD

Growing up, I have heard so many sermons and illustrations about the life of Job. But this morning at church, I had the opportunity to listen and learn and be reminded from my friend's thoughts and point of view about this book in a distinct way. Not that he correlated it with a board game, a basketball and a cooking pot (admired his creativity though) but in a way where I was able to relate to what he conveyed completely. The life of Job never made a profound impact to my life until these last 4 years. Job has been an inspiration and has impacted me in a deeper way.

I grew up in a Christian home. Both my parents served actively at church before I was born. Majority of my days were spent serving at church together with my family. My life was house, school and church. (A part of my house was even rented for church building. So literally, I was living at church.) I could say that I was well-protected of pain and suffering. I had never felt so much pain until these last 4 years. I remember myself telling my parents that I was hesitant to share the Gospel to my friends since I couldn't relate to their experiences. However, GOD works things amazingly and surprisingly.


In the last 4 years, there were two things that have brought so much pain to me. My youngest brother died in a tragic way last May 4, 2011, a day after his 11th birthday. Here. He was drowned in the river close to the subdivision where we live. His body was found after 40 hrs of search and rescue in the Davao river. I was so wretched at that time. I didn't imagine that among all of us, he would go first, at a very young age. Three years after, my Papa passed away last October 2014 due to kidney complications. We were at the hospital for almost 2mos. Here. I had thoughts about it before, that one day GOD will call him back HOME but never thought it was in that way and it was sooner from what's desired. Brokenness and pain were so evident in my spiritual life at that time that though I constantly talk to GOD, but it was more about the pain that I felt towards what happened. I know death is inevitable but that was my #1 fear. Not that, I feared death but I was frightened with the pain, emptiness and longing that comes with it.

This verse has been a constant reminder
for the past 4 years.

Today's sermon reminded me that even Job, the most righteous and richest man in his time experienced pain. Experienced losses, not only one or two family members but the entire household in just one time event. Satan even inflicted physical ailment upon him. The worst thing was, he didn't have a friend who would encourage him during his mourning and grief. Even his own wife, discouraged him and told him to curse GOD. However, Job remained strong and faithful to HIM!! He surpassed the test and came out victorious. Because of his faithfulness, GOD replaced his losses far better than what he had. His story reminded me that GOD gives and takes away. We may never understand HIS ways and HIS plans BUT everything that HE does is always justified and fits HIS plans and purposes. It's definitely okay to ask GOD and pour out what I feel regarding a situation. Job's life is an assurance that I can come and lay down everything I feel and just be totally honest with GOD with the things that hurt and disappoints me. The last thing that reminded me was, GOD might have allowed suffering in our lives because of our faithfulness. The way we see ourselves is smaller, it is way better and greater from the person HE sees in us. HE always sees the bigger picture. HE sees mighty men and women of GOD who can surpass testings and trials and will come forth as GOLD refined by fire.

PS.
I don't normally show my appreciation to Jonathan's sermons, though most of them were really good ones. But this one was splendid and understandable!! I guess that, I was able to relate well with the thoughts he was delivering. He definitely did a great job. To GOD be the glory for his life. Way to go, brother!! :)

Learning to Listen

The last 2 months I have  been in a state of dilemma more than ever before of making a certain decision in my life. I have written and considered list of things I might do in the near future. However, the ambiguity is so strong that an inner prompting within me says to seek out what really GOD wants. 

Growing up, I know that my parents taught us to seek what GOD's will is then follow and obey whatever it is and leave the consequences to HIM. I know what that means. But, the list that I've made seemed to be that one of those is HIS will. It's just that I need to listen to HIM more, seek HIS will and do what I have to do for HIS glory whether I have to move or stay or jump on a cliff or cross raging seas. 

Two weeks ago, I went to a bookstore in one of the malls close to the place where I live here in Jakarta. I never thought that I would find this in the bookstore. In Jakarta, it's hard to find books that you really like specially Christian English books. They mostly translate it to their national language. It was a "lucky" day for me that I found Loren Cunningham's book "Is that really you, GOD?". I read this book 5 years ago when I was still working in the missions organization before but I was not able to finish it since a friend of mine was reading it as well. 

These are the following points I'm sharing with you that really impacted me and I'm praying to really apply these points effectively in the next few days.


1. Don't make guidance complicated.
          -Submit to HIS lordship.
          -Resist the enemy.
          -Expect an answer.
2. Allow GOD to speak to you in the way HE chooses.
          -This is really a bit of a challenge to me since as a human we tend to take over or
            tell GOD when it comes to timing to answer us immediately or in our own time.
3. Confess any unforgiven sin.
          -Cleansing is very important. Any hidden or unconfessed sin hinders us not from GOD
            to give us  answer but from listening and recognizing HIS voice.
4. Use the Axehead Principle. (2 Kings 6)
           -Going back to the place or the state where you last recognize and hear GOD's voice
             talking and guiding you clearly.
5. Get your own leading.
            -Third party is only a confirmation. You must hear HIS voice and receive HIS
              guidance first.
6. Don't talk about your guidance unless GOD tells you to do so.
             -This will help us avoid confusion and pride.
7. Use the Wise Men Principle.
             -GOD uses two or more spiritually mature and sensitive people to confirm HIS
               guidance for you.
8. Beware of counterfeits.
             -Things of value are worth counterfeiting.
9. Opposition of man is sometimes guidance from GOD.
             -I've proven this 3 yrs ago when I decided to move here in Jakarta. There were a lot of
              oppositions on the process of coming and staying here but GOD proved that to be
              HIS guidance and test of faith.
10. Every follower of JESUS has a unique ministry.
             -"The will of GOD is doing and saying the right thing in the right place, with the right
                 people, at the right time, and in the right sequence, under the right leadership,
                 using the right method, with the right attitude of the heart." -Janice Rogers
              -This statement really impacted me a lot. Prompted me to really be cautious in both
                seeking and sharing HIS guidance.
11. Practise hearing GOD's voice and it becomes easier.
               -The more you talk and spend time to someone, the easier you recognize the voice.
12. Relationship is the most important reason for hearing the voice of the LORD.
              -Spending more time in talking and reading HIS word helps a LOT!



I hope these points are helping you a lot. However, I strongly recommend to read the book for a profound and better understanding. May you be blessed and receive answers to whatever you've been seeking and waiting.


Prayer Concern:
*Please pray with me that I will have clear direction on what to do in the near future. Pray that I can grasp whatever GOD wants me to do with my life. 


Thank you so much and GOD bless more!