Another faith-related experience…

As the ‘dust’ of the closure of the Breakthrough campaign settles, I realised how God has shown Himself faithful to me in terms of my personal pledge.

When the campaign intially begun, I remember I struggled with the amount (not much lar…) that I was led by HS to pledge. That time I was earning a mediocre income with a charity organisation (I won’t say the name =p), so it was difficult.     

However, God reminded me about having faith in Him in regards to my financial situation; to see beyond the present and what He could do to allow me to give to Him. That gave me confidence that for the next 20 months, He will increase my income in order to give Him. So in faith, I decided to give whatever little/much to Him. 

Now after 20 months, I calculated. My present income has increased by 50%. Wow… God is faithful and true to His word.

And just in case… I am not earning alot now ya… it was because my previous salary is low. Ha ha…

Last night was missions prayer nite with a small group of brothers and sisters. We prayed for Hope Rome and Hope HCMC. It was soul refreshing!

WHY? 

1. Sessions such as this never fails to overwhelm me with God’s love and draw me closer to Him and His will. It is amazing how tangible God and His love is as we engage with Him through earnest prayers over other people.

2. Being involved in this prayer group itself is part of my remarkable journey with God in regards to HCMC since 5 years ago. Though not clear how or where my involvement in this mission prayer group will lead me, but by faith I will go cos I am sure He has something instore. I truly believe.

I do believe that becos I have seen and experienced how from nothing in 2002- no direction; no team; no opportunities, He has brought me to have something now- hope and future to His vision.

Finally, we’ve MADE it! Hope Church Singapore is debt-free!

I can recall when we first embarked on this Building Fund journey, we didn’t meet the initial target of payment in 2002. I was disappointed then, and I believe with many others too. 

That time I was very sure then that we were able to meet the target, given the number of people we had and estimating the gross average individual income. And with His word assuring me (2 Corinthians 2:14) that we would triumph.

I thought we would have made it. But we didn’t.

In retrospect, I believe out of His wisdom, God didn’t allow us to make it then. Why? Probably He wanted us to fully rely and trust in Him as His Church, and not rely on our own strength or possessions only.

Now His word has been fulfilled, in His timing. Glory be to God! =) 

Believe it or not…. I used to be very self-conscious. I couldn’t speak in public confidently, especially when all eyes on me.

No, I am not shy. It is more being insecure of what others might think of me.

“Who is this guy??? CMI”

“So boring… *yawn*”

“Yeee… so skinny”

“Why he talk so lousy???”

Ya lor… this sort of negative thoughts would play in my mind whenever I am in front of people.

However God changed me and still is lar…

Some years back, the Holy Spirit revealed this weakness (insecurity) in me through instances when I needed to share my testimony or announcements publicly. I usually ‘tremble’ in front of others. Through this, He allowed me to see how this weakness actually prevented Him from using me effectively as His instrument.

Eventually I understood that I could not fully be His instrument if I caved in to my self-consciousness. I resoluted to be more God-consciousness so that I could be His obedient instrument for He to use to speak His truth and love to others.

I needed the “Just do it!” attitude.

God used His church to train me in my roles that I played in serving others where it was necessary for me to speak publicly. Every time I needed to speak, I prayed for His spirit to speak through me and glorify Jesus.

At school and work, God placed me in situations where I was required to present to classes and to corporate audiences . He really pushed me to the edge.

Last night, God took me up another level by allowing me to teach His word to my Unit people from the usual CG times. This was my first and I will never forget this milestone with Him.  

Personally, it is a great privilege to be counted worthy to be used by Him. It is my desire to share His Heart and Word to others wherever He places me so that some might respond to Him and be transformed.

JUST DO IT!