Knowing My Purpose: The Story of My Life

Finding my way to true happiness.

  You know, I’m a kind of person who loves to ponder on abstract things. When I feel like detaching myself from this world, I usually meditate about living my life in the simplest but fullest way.  Sometimes, mellow music or instrumental ones augment my sentiments. But, among all my meditations, deeming about God’s greatness is the best stimulator of my tears. I cry because I am aware that I live by grace, most especially, now that I have come to know my purpose. This keeps me grounded.

Four years ago, I was a girl with many material ambitions; maybe because I was not like the other teens who lived in affluence. I had a strong belief that someday, I would be able to get what I want. Someday, I would be looked up to for being smart. Thereby, satisfying my parents.. my family. I aimed high.. Yes, I did so and gradually, I was able to reach my goals. Until, one day, I realized that I was getting foolish as I became so much attached to my material desires. I came to know that it was not the number of awards that must make up my life in order to be happy.  I was yet a girl who was living in darkness because I was breathing with a purpose fastened on temporary happiness.

That day, my grandma was compelling me to join a summer youth camp in a province. I never really wanted to participate in such 4-day “imprisonment” because, first and foremost, I did not want to mingle with the provincial people. I felt like I was so superior that being with them would just waste my vacation. I could just read all day, study, watch, eat and sleep..  I thought, these would even make sense.

But, I had no choice but to obey my grandma, who was then a Christian. So, I entered the camp and grudgingly be with people I didn’t mind to be familiar with.  I didn’t like everything in the camp—the spooky rooms, the small bathrooms, the sooppeerr feeling close people, the whole place, and the event itself. I was not a rich girl but that was just my attitude because socialization had no significance to me. Nothing would really make me stay. I wanted to cry.. to beg my sister to help me get out of the camp.. but I did not know why I remained.

Then night came, and it was about time for us, campers, to listen to the pastors’ preaching. Well, that was not new to me since I had been attending Christian services since young because of my grandma. It was not new and was not accepted by me, neither.  However, as the Word of God crept to my ears that night, I began to feel unexplained pricks in my heart. Suddenly, I was able to assimilate what the word “Salvation” means to me, and to everyone else. I realized that I was indeed living in foolishness which I thought, only in the right track. I had been sinning all throughout my life and  been  reputing my educational status as enough means to be righteous and to get to heaven and this was all wrong! God rebuked my notion of “sin today-pray at night-sin tomorrow” routine and even the “good works” idea towards salvation. It was not that when I sin all week, I could just attend the church on Sunday, confess to the priest, and be cleansed again. It was not that I was “not” doing anything bad to my fellow because I didn’t even care, I could be saved already. 

As the Word of God says,"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23) and so, “..the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23)“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us"(Romans 5:8) Jesus said: "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:5) So, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) As Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me" (John 14:6) because “I (Jesus) and the Father are one” (John 10:30).

In sharing the Gospel to our fellow young people..

Now, I found the light. God broke my stoned heart. I experience the true joy in His presence. I am now one of the church youth leaders and a Sunday school teacher. I am now serving God, living to glorify Him and helping others to be saved, too. I have really changed a lot, from being a loner to being sympathetic to those people around me. God transformed me and continue to change me every day as I learn to live in righteousness and follow His teachings.  

And, the greatest privilege I have ever received is being a child of GOD (John 1:12). Because of this, I have a personal relationship with Him that I do not have to live in traditions and other “pious” processes. Simply, follow Christ.

Our Students in Children's Ministry

 “So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31-32

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” 1 Peter 2:21-22

Today, I am a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). Thank God for his grace! I am saved not by my works but through faith in Jesus Christ, my only Savior.

Knowing that God has purposed me to something beautiful keeps me grounded. Strive hard. There is a promise that awaits at the end!

What about you? Have you found your purpose? Or, do you still live in material and temporary goals? What about knowing God today? As He says, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jeremiah 29:13) “Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3) “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.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

God created you, you are His creation. So, can a creation know his purpose by himself? No, of course. Except that you consult your Creator, you cannot find your purpose. Know Him now! Jesus is standing in your door, and knocking! He says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

   

In Keeping Us Awake and Bonded..

Ate Pristine's, my discipler, coffee treat for me.. cafe latte!! soo delicious and expensive?? hehe..

"...But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15)

"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127:1)

Hey! Long time no post again! Wow..  I have been (usually) encountering too many trials, celebrations and school exams since the start of this month and those make me so busy everyday. Well, I consider being a sloth a business too so it is given... hehe..


Anyway, let me share to you my very special indulgence which I resort to whenever I feel so depressed.


Papers are piling up. Projects are waitlisted. Readings are on the desk. Exams are approaching. Such a big dilemma, right? Students like me, and of course, anyone who has gone through that narrow circumstance would definitely experience a negative adrenaline rush. Hahah. Such an exaggeration, but it happens to me. XD


The worst moment lies on the minutes where you just find yourself banging down your head, inevitably closing your eyes with your books on your chest or maybe, just knocking down on the desk as if you're punched. During these stuck out instances, the first thing we seek  to overcome these sleepy hours is COFFEE! Oh, coffee, how useful you are!


These past few weeks, I've been so in loved with coffee. In fact, I seem to be addicted to it already inasmuch as I cannot have a day without drinking it at least twice. Now, my taste buds search for more coffee aroma like I want to gut all the cafe restau (hopefully, affordable).


Actually, like a culture, I also "inherit" this hobby from my kins. No wonder, every "old-enough" person in our home loves to drink coffee even during siesta hours which we know ooze out the hottest and the most humid temperature (am I right for using this term?). Well, it's the house trend. And, because of it, we seem to be bonded. We have the opportunity to talk about the gist of our day, including the problems, climax, solution, or probably, desolation. Through drinking coffee, we find way to sit, relax and have some "chika" moments together.


Haay, imagine how coffee's heat yields to such a sweet bond! Imagine your family in such situation, wouldn't you feel like you don't wanna end those hours anymore? And, just enjoy being with your loved ones? But, what about when it's about God? What about praying together or having Bible study with all your households sitting on your couch, and eagerly discussing what you all learn from it? How ideal, right?! I wish to experience those hours, too.. I pray that one day, I can gather my family and talk about what Christ has done for us. This is my greatest dream.


And, just recently, our family faced a crucial trial that pulled our home back to God. My cousin suffered from an epidemic, Dengue stage 3, that he was rushed to the hospital with his life swinging at the edge. I asked our church members to pray for him as soon as I heard the news. But, that time, I did not have any idea of how worst his situation was. Until, after our prayer, I realized that when he was brought to the emergency room, he was already running after his every breath; he did not have blood pressure and pulse readings anymore. Totally, he was about to lose his life.


However, God listened to our prayers during those minutes that I was clueless of my cousin's struggle. God revived my cousin's life. And, the best thing I thanked God on that day was for letting our family become aware  that He is the source of life; He is our Creator. That night, everyone of us experienced the power of prayer. We all united in praying for my cousin despite our hearts writhing out of distress. Nevertheless, we all kept our trust to God and continued praying for my cousin's healing in spite of all negative possibilities.

"But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you." (Psalm 39:7 )

Day 2, when I went to the hospital, I prayed over my cousin from head to toe. Though, I was trying to pull back my tears, I couldn't help but show how painful it was for me to see  him bedridden and agonizing. But, then again, we must stand in our faith and believe that we have a strong fortress.. God, whom we are praying to, is the fountain of life. 

"For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light." (Psalm 36:9)

Few hours after the prayer, the nurse said that he could now eat solid food and was already crying out loud.. meaning he was recovering! Imagine, a stage 3 dengue case cured in 2 days! That's a miracle!


We were all perked by the good news. My grandma shouting her praises to God.. all of us raising up our hearts to Him with full gratitude.

In the Hospital, Johar survived from dengue through God's mercy! Thank God!

Day 3, my cousin was already moved out of the ICU and Day 4-5, he got the permission to go home. 


GOD HEALED MY COUSIN. HE GAVE HIM ANOTHER LIFE AND HE GAVE US ANOTHER HOPE.


Though the situation was not desirable, I thank God for opening the eyes and hearts of my loved ones toward Him. For your information. most of my family members were not Christians; the active were only me, my grandma and my aunt (my cousin's mom). So, basically, we have been trying to bring them to God for we love each other very much.


Like a coffee, God is the best source of bonding. But, unlike coffee, God is always present and is the only true bond that creates the genuine joy we all hope for. 
Like a coffee, God keeps us awake. But, unlike coffee, God corrects, teaches, and leads us to righteousness.

Hence, it is God whom we must resort to.. I am indulged on God's love.. no other thing would make me more  secured than in God's presence.. God keeps me awake and my family truly bonded..  


Hopefully, this challenge would not only rest to our family's memories but root into our hearts and mark learnings from it-- that God is alive.. Jesus saves.. 


Oh Lord, thank You for your grace.. You are our only God.. You are soo omnipresent.. omniscient.. all-powerful.. all-seeing.. You know our hearts and You rescue us in all times.. 

1Unless the Lord builds the house,

its builders labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city,

the watchmen stand guard in vain.

2In vain you rise early

and stay up late,

toiling for food to eat—

for he grants sleep to^a those he loves.

3Sons are a heritage from the Lord,

children a reward from him.

4Like arrows in the hands of a warrior

are sons born in one’s youth.(Psalm 127:1-4)