WhEn God TakEs

If God takes something from you, something you love dearly, something that you can’t seem to let go of, are you willing to surrender it for His sake?

He is a God who gives and takes away … He is the Maker of all things. Without Him, there could possibly be nothing on this earth, and that includes you and me.

If God takes something away, does it mean He is unjust? Does it mean He doesn’t love you? Does it mean He is a depriving God?

If God takes something away, how would you respond? Would you hate Him? Would you curse?

“God is not unjust…” Hebrews 6:10

He is the Maker of everything which means HE OWNS EVERYTHING. If He owns every single thing in the vast universe, don’t you think He has all the right to do what He wills to His property, or rather, His creation?

Since when did it become all about you? Is He not generous enough to let you experience love and life? How come you curse? How come you are unthankful?

Isn’t it you who is unfair? Isn’t it you who carry out selfishness?

God is One who’s full of wisdom. If He takes something away, it’s because of a reason. You might ask and wonder why. You might not find the answers now. Understand that God’s timetable is not the same as yours. He has His own time. He sets the seasons perfectly. It is just that you are too impatient. You are too demanding. If you are willing to wait on Him, you’ll see the beauty in everything.

“He makes EVERYTHING beautiful in His time…” Ecclesiastes 3:11 (emphasis mine)

If He takes something away, it’s because He wants you to trust Him, to believe in Him that He could give you something far better than what you’ve been wanting. He wants you to appreciate other things that you’ve disregarded all this time. He is a God who knows and gives the best. He is your Maker, therefore, He knows you more than you know yourself.

“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

Now, if God takes something away from you…

Would you surrender?

(Source: Christianster)

Under Cover: God Answers YES and NO

A few days ago my family and I were fervently praying for the condition of my Simba to get better. I told God I didn’t know how I would face that ordeal. I loved my dog so much and was too attached to her. Yet I wasn’t sure if it was in God’s will to restore my Simba. I heard that when you pray for healing you don’t always get answers. Some Christians still died despite scores of earnest prayers. Then, I was in doubt if the same was true with my situation. Nevertheless, amidst doubts, fears, and blinding tears, I battled in prayer, hopeful of a miracle.

Two days ago, my dog, whom I fondly called ‘my baby', died.

A ‘NO’ answer.

The vet said clinical signs showed rabies manifestation. She was put to sleep and examined. Lest we all be at risk, the vet suggested we had better go through a medical exam or await the findings of the dog’s autopsy. We were alarmed. I rummaged through the internet and verified the symptoms of rabid animals. It was true. It could be fatal to humans. If the rabid victim was not given timely medical attention, he could die in three days.

We prayed again. To be protected. To be under cover. Would God say ‘YES’ this time? I was scared. I always admit to God my faith is never perfect or absolute. I was shaky, chilling inside, and weak on knees. I was the closest to our dog which stood to mean that I was the most at risk and highly exposed. I would kiss, touch, and hug my dog even during her final moments. I gave all the possible human solace that could  comfort her. I cried asking God to make it easy for me. Thoughts of leaving this world in an instant filled my heart with ambivalent feelings, anxiety and expectation. Was I ready? Did I have any unfinished business? Were my financial papers all set for my family? Any obligation to settle? Did I really live out my life for His purpose or would I only be ashamed to admit otherwise? I asked God if He would be glad and pleased to see me now, face to face. Would my eyes throw a downcast look? I could only imagine. Looking up to heavens, finally, I smiled and said, ‘I think it’d be okay Lord.’

Admitting I was ready to go, I asked myself whether this kind of resignation showed my lack of faith in God to cover and protect us from the fatal disease, or, was it a good sign that I was able to come to some peaceful terms with death? I never knew how dying would feel. Sobering thoughts about the world and eternity just came, and for some people, the question of facing God could be unnerving if they knew they are hardly prepared. Then again, confusion lurked.

God answered with YES and NO.

NO, my dog would not be restored to life, and, YES, we were under cover. I was grateful the results were negative. Similar symptoms were associated with Canine Distemper, which my Simba suffered from. Distemper is an incurable disease that attacks the dog's central nervous system which eventually leads to death. Even with His protection, I still cried over losing Simba. I had never known such a sweet, and at times, moody, snooty dog. She was unpredictable in-between mornings and evenings, which made me love her more. It is true that if you'd only care about spending time and getting to know your dog, you’d find they’re like human beings, with distinct, interesting, and special personalities. Simba was an endearing one.

When do we accept His 'NO' answer? As I said, not all His response would come in the affirmative. To assume that His answer would always be positive is to get disillusioned. God is no 'genie' who stands and waits around to do our bidding. He is the God who sits on the throne and He knows what He is doing in our lives.

I had to trust His sovereignty and control - to believe that Simba never escaped the loving gaze of God and that He knew from the beginning what my dog would go through. I had to believe amidst doubts and tears. I had to trust the Father's heart (John 14.1).

Perhaps it was for the best.

Faithful

Classes resume 19 September for Term 2 AY 2009-10. New start, new leaf. God has amazed me with His lavish favor the past term. All glory to Him! Got a '4' (: highest :) on my subjects - Foundations.../Academic Writing. Both professors commended my final papers. Whew! Was it worth all the effort and sweat :) Indeed, wthout Him, I wouldn't have made it. During the term, He saved my face from unnecessary errant decisions and orchestrated things for me. Such favor!

Another high is the arrival of my sister and her better-half from Australia. I'm so blessed with their presence esp. my brother-in-law who's got so much faith in God. I gleaned from him bits of wisdom. I've never met such a generous couple who abide in the laws and economies of Heaven. They always have plenty that spill over to others as blessings.

God has proven Himself strong whenever I'm weak. He has put people in my life who are helping me traverse this journey of life.

Thanks Lord for being my Anchor. Will you give that one more permanent fixture in my life? :)

Done

I thank God I’m done with Term 1 AY 2009-10. I can say that God was with me all throughout. Wish I could share every moment He saved me from (ohh!) disgrace(s) everytime I went stubborn… typical of me :)

During this time, I was anchored on these words –
Never borrow from tomorrow.
Those who honor Me I will honor. (1 Sam. 2.30)
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Ps. 147.3)
God gives His very best to those who leave the choice to Him. (Derek Prince)
I am first and foremost a daughter of God and that dictates everything I decide to do.

The Tower Of Babel

People who have attempted to trace back the origins of language eventually framed varied speculation and empirical studies. Along this thought, some researchers assumed and to a greater extent believed, that the inclusion of the Tower of Babel in their speculation might cast some light in the foundation and development of human language.

The Tower of Babel was a significant point of reference used to explore the roots of language. Men, since eternity past, have tried to circumvent what the Bible itself has made plain and simple. Is it any wonder that in their vain pursuit, countless have wandered farther from the truth? The Bible hits it home - human language was endowed by God, and, until mankind accepts it sans reservation, there is no telling where our search will end.

Nevertheless, there remain researchers whose theories regard the Tower of Babel as the foundation of all languages. They hold the Bible as a solid authority, among others. Time and again, the Bible’s validity was contested and questioned; its credibility challenged by men and women who would rather believe the contrary. Nevertheless, given all the scrutiny it went through, the book has proven its precepts immutable and irrefutable.

Chapter 11 of Genesis shows the account of a single language from which all other languages developed. We read about God intentionally confusing the people, who then were trying to make a name for themselves. Such proud human ambition did not seem to please the Lord, as He immediately resolved to muddle up the language of the world. This language chaos forced the people to stop building the tower since they could no longer understand one another. In an amplified version the event even led to some physical assault and injury stemming from misconstruction. The account further says that the Lord, after He has confused their language, proceeded to scatter them over the face of the whole earth.

Why else would people fall back to the Tower of Babel? Is it because no other theories could be closer than this truth? Say the foregoing statements are shadowed by my personal belief in the Divine - it is not the question. Shadowed or otherwise, the tenets of the Bible stand by itself. This account must suffice in lending credence to the claim that human language indeed emanated from the only true source - God Himself.