Disturbing Faithfulness

There are many instances embedded in our heads that tell us God’s power is not limited to human imagination.

I knew Ps Chris Long was the preacher today. I also knew today’s going to be one hectic day, as I have to rush to read and absorb as much information I can for tomorrow’s paper. I also know I “should” be studying now instead of typing this message out. I promised myself, when I woke up this morning, that I would take a break from taking notes. Today I should just enjoy the sermon, and I would laugh at Chris Long’s jokes.

But u see, that was my plan. That was not God’s plan for me. Ps Christopher’s message was so strong, that I have to share it. Even if it takes a little of my studying time. What is my priority? God or EoS? EoS may be my focus now, but God has to be my priority.

I think it was last week, we came across the title Disturbing Faithfulness. Its meaning was not completely elucidated, and disturbed we were, as the title suggests. And yesterday again, God handed the same title. Again, I was disturbed. The reference verses were taken from the book of Job. Have u gone to a sermon, and listen to something that speaks to u, that connects to u, but something that u’d rather choose not to have listened. Ignorance is bliss, but not in God’s eyes. We would rather live not knowing that something that we do is not exactly sinful, but not exactly productive either. Right until God speaks to us, telling us that our specific actions, our mentality or attitude towards something may not be sinful, but is slowing our growth? To understand God, we must give our all to Him; we can’t be half hearted in our worship to God. Perhaps, that is why God decided to reveal this passage to us at this moment. I thought He chose a wrong time to reveal this to us, but tell me, has God’s timing ever been wrong?

Disturbing faithfulness- God wants us to continue to have faith in Him amidst our most difficult time. “The presence of God is primary over the provision of God”. I was distraught after reading this passage.. What is God trying to tell me? Is He going to fail me?

God answered me through Ps Chris. Life is full of hurdles, and there’re obstacles at every corner. When they happen, it does not mean God does not exist, neither does it mean God no longer loves us. Neither does it mean God is punishing us. There are times that God allows “things” to happen to us, to see our reactions to certain incidences.

Today’s passage was taken from Acts 16:22. Paul and Silas were preaching the work of God, and they drove out a demon from a girl. What happened next? They were stripped, beaten up and sent to the prison. There, they were kept a close watch by a jailer. Both were heavily wounded, and both did not deserve to be there. How did they react? They praise God, and then the ground shook, and the gates opened. They were free to escape!

But let’s take a look here. Did they escape? They did not. Upon seeing the jailer pulling out his sword from the sheath, and suggesting a pose that meant he was going to take his own life, Paul shouted to him that he was still there, not escaping. They were in their cell, not escaping.

What happened next? The jailer went to Paul, and asked him how he could be saved. And Paul told him to accept Christ. The jailer accepted, cleaned their wounds, got baptized by Paul and invited them to his house for a meal. Read Acts 16:22 onwards for a clear picture.

I’m still a bit disturbed. This is perhaps my strongest moment I’ve set my faith to God. The past few weeks have also been the time I’ve set my strength and focus to my exam. What if I were to fail this exam? Would I blame God? The past EoS I didn’t pray as much, and I didn’t read His word as much, and I passed. I didn’t even study as much. Would the result of the exam change my whole perspective on God?

God told me not once, but 3 times to keep my faith in Him no matter the result. So I shall. I know God wants me to learn from Paul and Silas. I’ve studied hard, and I’ve been keeping God’s word close to my heart. Nothing should stop me from growing closer to Him, even if the result is not the way I expect it to be. I rest my case to God, let His will be done. Let’s fulfill our responsibilities as God’s children. Put our trust in Him in dealing with us, as we put in our best effort. God will not fail us, it just depends on how we look at a situation. Open our spiritual eyes, that we may see God’s work in our lives.

To be honest, I still feel a bit disturbed. Nonetheless, I have to keep the faith.