19 May 2013 by Lennie Chua-
A woman of faith, 36-year-old Lennie Chua used to work as a country manager in Kuala Lumpur but she quit her job to follow God's leading into prison ministry in Bali, Indonesia currently.
This is a story of how God remembers the vows we make and how they were seen into fulfilment (Philippians 1:6).
Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
A Vow not Forgotten
When I was young, my parents would open our home for missionaries and preachers of different countries to stay. Growing up seeing their heart for God, I have a desire to serve God like them. In fact, I remember asking God to release me into fulltime ministry when I became a teenager.
But after graduating from the university, my heart was not prepared to serve Him full-time yet though that was the wish of my father. The glitz and glamour that the world had to offer caught my attention. I told God if He gave me some form of financial stability, I would serve Him fulltime.
God was faithful. I went ahead with my career and experienced advancements and success; I was promoted to become the country manager of my company. I knew that they were God’s blessing. However, I also experienced a lot of emotional turmoil throughout my life.
One day, I questioned myself silently in my heart; why do I have to go through so many struggles in life. A pastor who did not know me prophesied over me and told me, “Although you don’t know why you’re experiencing so many struggles in life, you will know it very soon.” I was surprised that she could read my heart but still, I didn’t know what God wanted to tell me.
Two weeks later, a brother-in-Christ gave me a verse in John 13:7, which says ‘Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” But I still did not understand.
Later, I was given another verse in John 18:9, which says ‘this happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”’ I was very shocked when I read this verse. Suddenly, I recalled the vow I made to Him as a teenager that I would serve Him full-time. I realized God has not forgotten my prayer for the past two decades; He has been waiting for me to fulfil my promise to Him.
Many people wonder how they can hear from God. Throughout my walk with Him, sometimes, I hear clear direction from Him. But many times, God did not tell me where to go and what direction to take. So, I just need to step out in faith and do His works.
For instance, God clearly indicated to me in quitting my job but He did not tell me what to do after quitting. I quit my job and while waiting for his direction, I served in a ministry in Sarawak. While serving, a previous employer called me and offered me a part-time job as a business manager in Bali, Indonesia. I thought it was a good idea because the job’s flexible hours would allow me to serve in a ministry and also provide fund for my own living. So, I packed my bags to Bali. And while in Bali, God opened the door to prison ministry. Who would have known? I am currently serving in the Kerobokan Jail for God, which houses 1,300 murderers and drug addicts.
Sometimes, as Christians, we thought that our lives should be free from doubts, disappointment and depressions. But although I have experienced God many times and met people with great encounters with Him, we are still not spared from such emotional turmoil. I believed all of us felt that way, some way or another, especially when our prayers are not answered.
Although my testimony is marked with words of revelation given to me, I realize what truly sustain my walk with God are not miracles or prophecies but two basic elements, which are having a daily communion with Him and reading His words.
I believe God still speaks to us today though many of us do not believe that. He is still the same God as God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
I am not afraid because I trust in God’s leading (Jeremiah 19:11). And anyone who trusts in Him will not be put to shame.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Dear Viewers in Christ, if you find this article edifying to you, please share with your friends or loved ones by using the social media plugs (Share, Email to this article). The Lord will surely bless you as you bless others. May the Lord’s peace and love be with you.
References for pictures:
http://worldprayercenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/hearing-from-god.jpg
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