Thy will be done - real experience

This is a continuation of the previous post, although unexpected... because I think it is necessary to share a life experience

Last Friday, I was rebuked by God, for my ignorance and lack of submission to my leader. All these while, I thought it has been the passion for God's work in me, and do not want it to go away... It was out of a right heart at first, but gradually, I was diverted or misguided myself... The tasks I did was noble and Godly - follow up on people, getting someone with a history of 'difficult' problem to join the group, also to help out, and the aim to disciple this person...

However, I never consulted or talked with my leader about this and also other things before this, and acted on my own. When I told her about the outcome of what I have done, I sensed she was burdened, or uncomfortable... that was when I started to think more... and realized I have not been in line with the direction and goal of the CG. I know, but I really know when I was spending my time with God - when He rebuked me.

It has been difficult, I was down the whole day, and I began rearranged my priority and goals, setting them to the original ones. When I made those goals, at least I was still quite ok, my judgment was not clouded. I really do not know what to become, as all these while I thought I was in the right path when actually I was in the wrong....

So this is the setback I faced, when serving... no doubt I really want to grow, but sometimes I can be wrong also... reminds me of Peter of the Bible... Many times he mentioned of stupid things or do stupid actions, but he is also one of the closest friend with Jesus. But God is good, the heartache I faced was over by yesterday evening... and God has spoken, telling me to persevere on with thanksgiving and hope in Him.... That's how He came to rescue me from sinking...

Thy will be done

Matt 14:28-33
28 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
29 "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." (from New International Version)

How many times have been through this situation: You got a calling from God, probably He confirms it with you a few times, you believed and act upon it. You are filled with the Holy Spirit and are on fire. You became more effective in your service, and in what ever you do...

As time goes by and by, you faced challenges, but managed to overcome... probably you prayed, and prayed earnestly... but after a few months the spirit just died down, and somehow you just don't feel the same anymore... somewhat returned to the old boring times that you've been before... and no matter what or how you've done it, even you tried to mimick the things you've done before, it just didn't work...

Well, this is the description of what I am going through many times, and I am feeling tired of it... somewhat angry and frustrated as well... but I tried to hold my anger and frustrations back, as I am still waiting for answers from Him... and He spoke through these verses...

In these verses, Peter requested Jesus to walk on water, so that he can go to Him. Jesus gave the order, and Peter got out of the boat and walked on water. But later, the wind came, and Peter became nervous and started sinking. Then, Jesus reached out His hand, and saved him.

The first thing I can observe here is that, when we ask of His will, He will surely provide answers. He will tell you as He told Peter,"Come!" and, with that, you become empowered to do the things you've asked and He has approved.

Then, challenges come... and maybe the first few times we may be able to overcome... but the challenges gets greater and greater... or is it our faith gets lesser and lesser...?

At this time, it is only reasonable to evaluate ourselves and our situation... "What happened?" is probably the best starter question. Could it have been sin that has been built into our hearts, or the challenges has got too much for us to handle? Sin... - probably what we started out to do for God has diverted to something else... Challenges..- What can be greater than God?

In any circumstances, ask God, as Peter cried out for help! He will surely extend His hands and pull you out from sinking... going through this is not so bad, because in the outcome will bring us to know the power and grace of God to us... and would praise and worship Him more!!