27 Dec 2012 by Adeline Lum CM-
Born in a Christian family, Deborah Lawrence’s described her mother as being “very grounded in the Word,” attending church, prayer meetings and cell group. Hence, Deborah always thought she was good in her Bible knowledge until she was challenged of her faith during her matriculation year.
“I realized that I didn’t have much knowledge about the Bible,” said Deborah. “When people asked me questions about my faith, I did not know where to find answers in the Bible.”
Now, she desires to know more about her faith through the Bible.
“I never took the Word literally but I realize that I really have to know more about my faith. I can’t just cakap kosong (meaning to speak without supporting information in malay),” said Deborah.
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect
Although she did not enjoy talking in a crowd, since she joined the Christian Fellowship (CF) in University Malaya, she was chosen to lead the worship team.
“I know that I would have to go through lots of hard spots in my life before I become that person in God, even getting to know the Bible” said Deborah. “I stutter… But I realized that if I want to be that person, I have to do it. I am still in the learning process.”
Romans 5:3-5
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Now, her life is more or less biasa (meaning normal in malay) but she is more convicted in Christ.
“Last time, I just buat lah (a malay colloquial term meaning to act by default) but now, I seek God’s approval instead of people’s,” said Deborah.
She does things not out of fear of people, but in reverence for God. Although she expected a better future walking with Him, she also knows that the process would not be easy.
There had been times when she felt like giving up in the lack of responsiveness to her invitation to sharing her faith, but she reminded herself of doing it for God and not for people.
2 Peter 1:6-7
6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
It is often during the difficult times of our lives, when our walk with God becomes deeper and stronger. God did not promise us a life without storms, but He did promise that He would be there with us and we would be able to go through it.
Deuteronomy 31:6
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
1 Corinthians 10:13
13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
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References for pictures:
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/303761_283687104981128_1899586330_n.jpg
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