Category His & My Story

Spirtual insights and my daily reflections with God in my life. My life is now a shared journey with God. My story is His story.

Taking a glance of my 2012

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1. My unforgettable answered prayer

There were many moments that God came through for me in answering my prayers. But one prayer did stood out- an increment after being confirmed and affirmed at work.

It was not just about the additional cash, but the timeliness of it happening as I wasn’t even expecting this. Especially so since my wife was leaving her job to join me.

This was an unforgettable prayer answered and milestone for my wife and I in being assured us that where God leads, He provides.

2. My greatest trial

Since relocating to Vietnam for work, this was the full year cycle that I went through. I was tested on all fronts as a newbie.

I had to learn about the business climate and environment in this new market; understand the advertising industry; know the agency and the work I was tasked with; learn to lead and manage a team; personally adapt in a new culture, language and a way of life; ensure that my marriage adjusted to this city and new way of life; and being able to anchor, express and engage my faith relevantly in this culture.

So to sum it all up, the greatest trial is not just in adjusting to life in Vietnam, but in adapting culturally as a Christian of which my biblical beliefs, values and trust in God were hugely tested.

3. My greatest breakthrough

This has got to be the moment when God re-confirmed and re-affirmed His call on my life in the second half of 2012. After that, “doors” that were shut opened. And now I’ve observed how the Spirit of God is moving in advancing His kingdom.

4. My most impactful decision made

My wife and I decided to move to another apartment in October after the rental lease of our former apartment expired. The move was not just a move in terms of location or better environment, but it had spiritual implications.

Since the move, we have been richly blessed with not only more, but stronger meaningful relationships.  The new place is more conducive in hosting family and friends. And last year, we had our first Christmas party with church friends at our home.

Praise God for providing this apartment. Because in normal circumstances, we would not be able to afford the rental, but due to the bad property market conditions we got the rent at an unbelievable steal.

5. My happiest and elating moment

My wife finally joining me in relocating in Vietnam in April after an 8-month long separation due to her work and studies. I don’t think I need to elaborate on this right? Haha…

6. My lessons learnt about God

My God is faithful. Throughout the ups and downs, and the trials of 2012, He has stuck with me. His love, grace and goodness followed me in every situation. And so He will do the same in 2013. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

G.R.A.C.E.

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Today I had a fresh encounter with the grace of God.

It became more apparent of how without the grace of God, I would not be where I am today.

I can truly say that I am who I am, and I’m doing what I’m doing because of the grace of God working in my life.

For who would imagine that it could be possible for me to be living and working in Vietnam?

For who would imagine that it could be possible for me to part of God’s redemptive plan for Vietnam?

For who would imagine that it could be possible for me to be meeting some of the people who I got to know and serve with in Vietnam of whom I know that I would not have met in normal circumstances?

I can only say that it is His grace that makes an unworthy person like me to be considered worthy to be used by God.

It is His grace that humbles me to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and compels me to live a life of submission to His will.

G.R.A.C.E…. God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.

My God is with me

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It has been two weeks since I have arrived in Ho Chi Minh City.

And I’ve settled in quickly and nicely.

Much of this smooth assimilation has been the people whom I had been  led  and connected to.

Some of them I knew before I’d arrived and some, after my arrival.

Even before I’d arrived, God assured me with these words from Acts:

“For I am with you (Paul), and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”

Therefore, in spite of the hasty manner in which I had to relocate for my new job, I was at ease and at peace through out.

Interestingly, I believe it was not a coincidence that I  had arrived before Singapore’s national day.

Through a divine connection, I was invited to the national day reception organised by the Consulate General office in Ho Chi Minh City.

At this annual reception, I had the opportunity to meet the Singapore community who was residing in Vietnam in one swoop. And there’s no doubt that the introduction of these new friends has put me in good stead with a network to build on.

More importantly, I’ve also connected to a community of fellow Christians in this city.

God is good. I’m thankful for His favour and goodness; surrounding me with His people to remind me that I’m not alone and He is with me.

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My Doodling:

I can’t believe that in a couple of hours I’ll be leaving for Ho Chi Minh City to begin a long-awaited chapter of my faith journey with God. I’m excited and thankful! Indeed, when you take care of God’s business, He will take care of yours (c.f. Matthew 6:33)

Riding on His wave

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Honestly, I do not know where to begin with this simply because I’m still in a state of awe with what has been unfolding before me.

But I’ll start by saying that this new job that will see me (and my wife) relocate in Vietnam is a miracle.

As I reflect how this was even possible in the first place, there’s no denying that it is all His doing.

There are just too many divine connections, circumstances and decisions made that worked seamlessly over the years to make this happened.

Aside from this being my dream job in terms of the role, industry and overseas market, this was also the country that I was targeting to work and live one day with my family.

In fact, my plan was to arrive in Vietnam by 2018. But I guess God had other plans for me on His time-table.

No doubt that this is a testimony attesting of God’s accelerated growth towards spreading His transformational love in Asia. And I’m riding on that wave.

Though I may not know exactly what this wave will take me through, but by faith I know it will take me to places where I will be able to see more of His glory in its fullness.

And that is all that matters to me; to be closer to Him and to be in the centre of His will in fulfilling His purpose.

My state of “crossover”

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It’s been almost 3 years since my personal “crossover” in heeding the call of the cultural mandate.

As expected, it has not been an easy ride. In fact, it has been tough to the point of frustration.

However, I must acknowledge that most of the frustration stems from me being impatient in wanting to see results.

At these moments, I have to constantly remind myself that I’m following God’s timetable, not mine.

I’m His beloved

I’m also tempted many of a times to just settle for less and be ‘contented’ at where I am. From a humanistic viewpoint, I know I’m doing reasonably okay, especially taking in consideration of my past.

So why even bother to press so hard and make my life so difficult?

Everyone’s just cruising through life, why must I be different?  

But in the face of such derailing thoughts, I’m reminded that I’m His beloved. If He only desires the best for me, then why should I short-change myself by forfeiting my rightful inheritence?

I’m His follower

Another reminder or factor that has anchored in holding me steadfast is His vision given to me.

I’m truly convinced that God has launched an all-out mission to reclaim what has been lost- territories in the marketplace.

And I don’t wish to be a spectator. I want to be in the thick of the action!

But with all that has been said, I’m learning that obedience to a call or fulfilling His vision is not just about accomplishing a task, in this case the Great Commission.

It is also becoming the person God has destined us to become. Therefore, I’m hanging on and pressing onwards.

I know that He loves me

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My trip to Sydney was nothing short of perfect!

It was the perfect getaway with God. And one fully instigated by Him.

Everything was arranged and paid for, from the air ticket to the accommodation.

He even got me fetched from and driven to the airport!

If that was not enough, He even blessed me with a couple of hundred dollars for expenses through a thoughtful friend.

From the start to the end of the trip, I was unreservingly lavished with His (practical) love through His people.

I guess God knew I needed a reminder and a fresh outpouring of His love since it is so easy to overlook or ignore my own needs (emotional and spiritual) in the midst of all the doing.

True enough, I met God there especially during the 4-day Presence Conference. He renewed me, refocused me and rejuvenated me.

In particularly, I felt a release of faith upon my inner being. I was comforted in His presence and assured of His love for me.

I know that He loves me; that He is and has been there for me even in my weakness. He is faithful and I’ll trust in His love.

I’ll wait for His promises to come to pass. I’ll keep the faith because a vision that is impossible requires faith. If it doesn’t, that it is not God-given.

We’re one year old!

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Last month, my wife and I celebrated our first year marriage anniversary. Yes! We’re one year old!

I believe for most of that one year, God had been molding our character and unity as a couple. And He still is.

We learnt to be independent from our parents and at the same time, to be depended on God together; instilling steel into the back bone of our marriage.

Not everything has been ‘and-they-lived-happily-ever-after’ though. We do have our crazy moments where we fall from lovers to enemies in an instant; from hugging to strangling  each other. Haha…

For most parts of those moments, they primarily stemmed from our differences in personality, gender traits and personal habits. For instance, I’m the outgoing and adventurous sort while my wife is more reserved and safe.

So you can imagine how we can unknowingly or knowingly unnerve each other. That’s explosive couple-discovery! Haha…

Fun as it may seems but there’s no doubt that marriage is hard work. There are loads of loving and forgiving to do each day on top of the practical challenges that need to be tackled. 

Nonetheless, I give thanks for an awesome first year (and the latter years ahead)  of marriage. Indeed, God is good!