Guarding Faith in the Mysteries
As we close 2024, Dave and I would like to reflect on the faithfulness of God who has sustained us through every trial.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 reminds us:"We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
🎶 The lyrics of "Always on Time" by Elevation Worship echo this truth:
"Jesus, I was tossed in the water, but I never went under. You were always on time."
💡 Shout Grace to the Mountains
We’ve faced a lot of obstacles this year— Dave’s 4 hospitalizations within the first 7 months of 2024, the business struggles, the delays of the government projects, as well as the painful experiences of overcoming "different" types of losses and their severities— yet, at God’s perfect timing, we heard these encouraging words of Zechariah 4:6-7:"Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord of hosts. "Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel, you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”"
With faith, we declare: Grace, Grace to the mountains in our lives. We still believe that God’s Spirit levels every obstacle and makes a way where there seems to be none.
So, what have we learned in 2024?
🌱 We've learned that God's Promises on 2 Cor 4:8-9 are TRUE:
Pressure will not crush us. We were pressed on every side indeed, like being squeezed like grapes, but we were reminded that's how wine was made. Joyce Meyer said, do we choose to be a sour wine, or a vintage wine? We surely don't want to be a sour wine in God's process. We did see that the Lord sustained us in each trial, each sickness, each heartache, and each disappointment.
Confusion will not discourage us. Yes, we did and we do still face confusing circumstances, especially with delays. Decisions need to be made all the time. We need to remember that even when we're confused, Jesus is never confused! We won't be in despair because of confusion.
Opposition will not deter us. Sometimes opportunities create opposition, but we look to the Lord to defend us.
Hard hits did not destroy us. Like Dave said, with God's grace, we're knocked down, but NOT knocked out! That's God's promise.
All these have been true statements. We’re still holding on to Him, and now ever so tightly.
🌱 What We've Also Learned in 2024:
Worship invites God's presence. If you want to experience God in your pain, worship Him, even when you don't feel like it. Find some songs that can make you raw and honest and bring you to worship. For Dave, Keith Green's songs bring him to worship like no other. For me, God always gives me a specific song I can sing for days and weeks. For example, this whole month I've been singing "Always On Time" and I've felt His comfort each time.
Ask for help. Let your community (pastors, close friends, family members) know so they can pray for you. We don't need to fight our battles and struggles alone. Our pastors are so caring. Our Go Group family and WBS ladies as well as our Prayer Meeting team are just a text or a call away for prayer needs. I even have a few prayer warriors that I call for emergency prayer at any time during the day or at night or in the wee hour! This includes my brother and of course, our children, Josh and Mei.
Our marriage is stronger than ever. Yes, I was upset when Dave didn't want to go to the hospital sooner, but all in all, Dave is my hero. He has always been. Now I've admired him more than ever. In the trials, his faith has remained strong and steadfast.
Be Still and Know God. We don't need to have all the answers and all the solutions to our problems to acknowledge that God is still on the throne and at the center of our lives. He is our Lord and Savior, our Master, our Best friend, our Everything. He is ultimately our joy and peace, and we serve Him gladly with our lives. We discover that we can still live out our faith and love for Him and serve Him wholeheartedly even when our answers are not answered yet.
My mom is also my hero. She's been championing for joy, hope, positivity, and to live as a blessing to others. She's an inspiration to our family as well as others who know her.
God brings joy in the little things if we just pay attention. Fresh air when we walk. Nice coffee sips. Having fun with Snuggly, our cat. Loving on some kittens that are in my neighborhood. Hearing your children are doing well or people are kind to them. Write a Gratitude List each day to keep track of God's kindness.
We look forward to 2025 knowing God is faithful to fulfil His promises of double grace and open up His window to let His blessings to flow in. With Holy Spirit's help,🕊️ let’s step into 2025 with unwavering confidence that God is always on time, working all things for our good.
What mountains has God leveled in your life this year? Share your testimony below, and let’s enter the new year shouting, “Grace, Grace!” 🙌
Comments