On March 9, 2017, the second Prayer Assembly for this year was held. Members of SFC Chapter B1 were excited especially for us Newbies in the community for once again, it is another special day that the Lord has created for us to grow spiritually, pray together , and be one in glorifying and praising our Lord Jesus Christ .
Today is also my first to serve and be part of the Music Ministry. Together with my fellow new members, we were nervous but at the same time joyful to serve and sing praises to our God. After the powerful opening prayer and worship which was led by Brother JM, he was also able to share on how God has helped him and his family go through unexpected recent challenges. I may not be able to write and specify the experience he shared ( due to some confidentialities) but the lesson and blessing that he has imparted to us is that with God and our prayers, our family will always surpass every trials for nothing is impossible with Him.
Our beloved Cluster Coordinator Tito Edwin from Couples For Christ community began our gathering with discussing on the subject of being strong and faithful with the Lord. He was able to share his learning with his journey being taught by a priest. What also marked on us during his talk was the story of the different kinds of birds that wasn’t contented or happy with what they have when they compared their colors to another kind. Here, I can say that its message is that we are different from one another and that have our own unique trials in life. We all have a cross to bear and we need to understand that we all have our own different journeys in experiencing Christ in our life. We need not to worry for HE is with us as in every moment as we carry our joys ,worries and even our sorrows, and in order to be with Him, we also have to follow and obey His ways. Everyday is a day created to keep our faith stronger and to grow with our God.
Our first sharer was Brother RJ. He spoke about his experience during the Missionary Service and how he grew as a servant in the community. He encouraged us not to limit ourselves, not to fear new encounters or fear that we might fail. But instead go beyond; get out of our comfort zone, and above all trust the Lord. Be assured that the mission for which God has called us to do, we will accomplish.
Few minutes while Bro RJ was wrapping up his talk, I was asked by Sister Bujoy if I wanted to share to the crowd my experience on the unexpected blessing that God gave me which was passing the HAAD RN exam on March 5, 2017. And I said yes. Immediately I prayed shortly and asked the Lord for His guidance and of the Holy Spirit before speaking in front of how God made me realize that with Him and with faith, whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive in His right timing. I would like to get back on this part later for me to be able to share more of how God has changed me, my life.
Our next sharer was brother JR. He talked about the victories during the Singolypmics and his experience serving and preparing for this event. He testified that even though we feel that we are not qualified to do His mission, through God, He will make you qualified.
Last but not the least to share was Sister Bujoy. She just came back from vacation and had some family time in the Philippines. She shared the trials she and her family were facing for some time. And that through faith and fervent prayers, in His timing, everything will be healed, everything will be alright.
The last activity of the Prayer Assembly was writing our commitments to the Lord in the Conviction board, writing the deeds we promise to do everyday to show our faithfulness to God, to live our lives by proclaiming God in all aspects. Ending our gathering, we offered our thanksgiving and prayers, a closing prayer led by Brother Earl.
Now, going back to the part where I was about to share. To share how God has answered my prayers, how God worked in my life.
At first, I didn’t know how to start, I was nervous that at first I was telling light jokes to relieve the excitement and mild stress that I was feeling. Then words took over. I started to tell them the story of how God has worked in my life during the hardest times. Back when I left my work in Saudi as a nurse Year 2016, when at the same time my heart was broken, I didn’t have a job, and when I felt that I was so alone. I was depressed, I felt worthless, and above all I was lost and empty. On that moment of my life, I started to pray, every day. After a long time, this is the first time that I have turned unto God. I prayed and cried every day that may He heal my broken heart, my mind, and may He guide me on the next journey of my life.
Then on June 2016, I came back here in Abu Dhabi to be with my family and to take the HAAD exam. Sadly, on the said date, I encountered a problem and wasn’t able to take the exam. Hard times came by, being jobless and because my Mom was also a nurse and successful, again I was stressed, sad, and pressured. Not to mention the agony of waiting for a call to be interviewed and be accepted in a job.
Then in the month of August, after church, I received a flyer saying that Christian Life Program will be conducted. Then, I can say that through this community, I was back. Now, I am alive from the dead. I am anew. For now, my life started to change, it is brighter and more meaningful, for now I know, I feel and I accepted that I am loved by our God.
I almost cried when I started to recall the struggles that I faced, when I was processing my exam, the time when I almost did quit and almost decided to go home back in the Philippines (for I still didn’t have a job). I remembered that was the first time again that I was tested in lifting up my worries unto Him. He proved me wrong in my doubts. At that time I thought t I was going home, November 2016 I received a call, got interviewed and was offered a job .Months passed by that I was so eager to give back to the Lord, that even me and my Mom are arguing often due to the time I am giving in serving in the community. Through prayers every day, asking for God that my Mom would accept and understand the transformation I was going through, again He proved to me that through Him, everything is possible. Now my Mom is even asking if I have an activity in SFC to attend to, and is even now offering to cook food for me to bring and share with my brothers and sisters in the community. Time has passed by, then the SINGOLYMPICS came. Preparing for and during this event was one of the greatest journey I will never forget. That even though we put a lot of work and time for it, every day I felt was joy, and the eagerness to serve, and to give more of me to our Lord. After the SINGOLYMPICS, I had 5 days to prepare for my HAAD exam. I kept this from my Mom for I know that she will worry. On this time of my life, even though I knew that I was unprepared, I wasn’t worried. Not because that I am overly confident, but because I was ready to accept whatever His plans are for me. I wasn’t worried for I know that whatever happens, His plans for me are greater, better than what I desire for. I wasn’t worried for now I am truly happy and I don’t regret the time I gave unto Him than using the time to study instead.
Days before and after the exam, I was overwhelmed by the love, support, and prayers of my brothers and sisters in the community. And then the day has come, results came , and by God’s grace I have passed. I called my Mom and gave her the great news. This moment became a way for us to truly communicate, we cried, said our sorrys and thanked the Lord for the blessings He is providing us.
As I closed my sharing, I conveyed to all that everything truly happens in His time. Do not worry especially at times when you feel like everyone around you is growing and you are left behind. We have our own timeline, our own phase and transformation in our life with Him. Just trust and surrender yourself unto the Lord, trust His timing! LET US STAND FIRM IN THE FAITH!
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
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