Nov 27 2007
Life Messages
As I reflect on my personal story, who does God want me to share it with?
The Purpose Driven Life, p. 296
Currently I am surrounded with people who are well to do. They have what they need and then some. That is the problem: when it’s good times, there is no God time. Upon reflection, seems like my life comes around in a circle. Let me try to break it down.
I was introduced to church at around the age of 14 by my oldest sister. Previously, I was just a buddhist, taoist, or atheist(?). A teenager that was easily influenced, I went along with the group, just to meet people, and hang out on sundays and fridays. Did I know Jesus back then? Sure, I know who He was, what He had done, and sat in sunday school. But do I really know Him? I suppose not, because all I did at church was goof around, talk to friends (who were not as serious as I was), listen to gossip, didn’t read my bible, etc. I basically was the church “bench warmer”. My church back then wasn’t focused on discipleship, so I really didn’t need anything from them. We were a financially secured family. I felt in control of my own life. I went to do whatever I wanted.
My stubborn heart kept me away from Jesus for quite some time. When I reached the age of 32, I had experience everything from broken heart, financial instability, depression (not knowing my future), and ridicule from others. My self-confidence was low. I was alone and was just trying to get by. Then a miracle happened: God gave me a woman that I could fall in love with again. As we planned for marriage, my oldest sister had to be re-introduced me to Jesus. Because of my past failed relationship, I had to get it right this time. Only God could make it right. So dedicated my life to Jesus and got serious with God.
As I learned to get closer to God, it was just a matter of time that my relationship, both to God and my wife, would be tested. I was laid-off from work and had an uncertain future. My wife and I had doubts about ourselves, but with God’s grace, we managed to keep it together and survived through it. The biggest life lesson I get from this is that God will use hardship to speak clearly of my dependence to God. I must look to Jesus for answers and a way out.
At this point, I’m still learning about God’s passions and what He has planned for me. He has moved me to care for others, give His riches back, support the church, and keep growing in faith. One thing I find that I like to do is sing contemporary Christian music such as Hillsong, Israel Houghton, Lincoln Brewster, Tree 63, Kutless, etc. Maybe God has put a passion to sing? Nah, my voice is awful. But I do love the experience of singing my lungs out to God. It is liberating, it is comforting, and it calms my sometimes agitated heart.
I am now involved in a loving and caring church. When I commit everything that I am made to be, God will surely use Saddleback Church to help me grow and maximize my purpose. It is the reason I am determined to finish this PDL book and really let myself be discipled by God and my small group.
Jesus has died for me and has given me grace so that I may live forever. All I had to do was accept Jesus and learn my purpose in this life, so that I may receive God’s eternal promise. I didn’t deserve His grace, but He gave it to me anyway. This life message is for everyone around me, and more.
And You saw me
When You took a crown of thorns
And Your blood washed over me
And You loved me
Through the nails that You bore
And Your blood washes over meAmazing like no other
Grace without an end
As Your word had promised
You died and rose again
“You Saw Me”, Hillsong Australia, Saviour King
