16 Feb 2013 by Mindy Oon CM-
Proverbs 19:21 says “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Steven Teh, a student in UTAR who attends Generation One Church Kampar tells of how God can orchestrate divine appointments when we are open to obey His leading.
This is his testimony:
I had to go back Batu Pahat, my hometown, for a wedding on Saturday and return to university in Kampar by Monday. However, due to several circumstances – my friend’s car broke down, and he had errands to run till Tuesday – I would have to decide to stay and wait for him, or take the train back. It was then that I felt the presence of God, and I just knew that I had to stay.
That Sunday morning, the Holy Spirit brought back to memory the story of Jairus' daughter who was on the verge of death and another woman who had been bleeding for 12 years (Mark 5:21-43). The woman spent all she could on treatment but to no avail, and she got worse. And then there was Jairus, a leader in the synagogue begging Jesus to save his daughter. Both were in such desperation, suffering, in fear of death, and in pain. However, God's love is just so amazing. No matter who we are or what our status quo is, it was our faith that will move God’s hand. The woman, with so much faith, went through a crowd that slowed Jesus down, just to touch the garment of Jesus. When she did, Jesus said "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction". This is the one and only time Jesus called someone "daughter" in the entire bible! God sees those who seek Him and calls Him "daughter".
It was a message that struck me hard, and I couldn’t help but look for an opportunity to share it!
Later in the day, Uncle Rodney told me to check the train times to see if we could take one back to Kampar. There were two – one at 4pm, and the other at 6pm. I thought we could go for the one at 4pm, but Uncle Rodney decided that we would go for the 6pm train.
When we got to the train, there were two seats together and one more far away (there were three of us going back together). I decided that I would just take the one that was away from the others. When I reached my seat, there was already someone in it, so I announced my seat number. The person left, and I took my seat. I introduced myself to the girl beside me, and began a conversation.
It was then that she asked me if I was a Christian and started explaining how she came to Christ after rejecting His existence for so long. She had been very happy for the past two months upon receiving Christ, but thought ‘what goes up must come down’. She had been led in the sinners’ prayer, and her friend had taught her how to pray. However, her prayers did not seem to be working.
“And how about the Bible?”, she asked. “Where should I start? No one taught me, and I really want to read it.”
As the train took us to our destination, I was able to share with her and answered her questions as best as I could. I showed her Bible reading plans that she could download on her Ipad, and how we need to learn to listen and discern what the Holy Spirit is telling us.
As I spoke to her, I begin to share Mark 5:21-43 with her. As I shared about the woman who was bleeding and Jairus, whose daughter was so ill, she stopped me and continued the story for me, asking if it was the same story. The amazing this was, though she had only attended church about five times, and had minimal contact with Bible stories and parables, THIS was the story that she knew.
We continued to talk, and I learnt that it was also through several circumstances that she ended up on the particular train that we were on. Both of us were amazed at how God had planned everything out so that she might be able to experience the reality of God. Even my iPhone lock wallpaper said “In God there are no coincidences, there are purposes!”
Indeed, God has a plan for each of our lives. We may not know it, but as we walk in His ways, and when we allow Him to guide us, we will be able to reach out to those around us. There are no coincidence when it comes to God, as He makes everything beautiful in His time!
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. Amen.
References for pictures:
http://www.soulshepherding.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/practice-Gods-presence.jpg
http://freshsprings.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/hemofgarment.jpg
http://wordservewatercooler.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/bible-study3.jpg?w=584
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gimk_6A4Y_k/Tx4xPr_PWTI/AAAAAAAAAiI/mWot-fAfWTo/s1600/jairus-daughter.jpg
http://cdn.indulgy.com/07/jE/FA/194640015115428637FBZvw55Tc.jpg
http://www.erinvaledesign.com/.a/6a010536340e31970b0147e147461b970b-800wi
http://www.kingdomstrategist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Hey-hey-evangelism.jpg
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