By Alex Chan
For most of my life, I had been in and out of a few protestant churches, always “visiting” for a period of time to observe and learn about the Lord through the testimonies of others.
My reason for simply “visiting”? At the time, my life felt routine with limited colour. While I believed the Word, I did not have any firm personal testimonies to call my own.
Then it happened in Dec 2016 in unexpected fashion. It was in the wee hours, and I was in an ICU room at Singapore General Hospital. My grandmother had terminal lung cancer and was on oxygen support. The doctor had called everyone down that early morning with the message that it was my grandmother’s “final few moments” as she had unilaterally removed the oxygen equipment owing to extreme discomfort it was causing.
At the hospital, the doctor was attempting to reinsert the equipment but told us the situation was not looking good and to “be prepared”. Besides the gamut of emotions I experienced, my immediate thought was, “Dad and grandfather aren’t here yet, please hang on a bit more”.
It was there and then that I decided to “test” God. My exact prayer was: “Hey Lord, it’s time to show yourself. Time to come out if you are real. Please let my grandma hang on till the rest arrive.” I followed my prayer by silently reciting Psalm 23, which I had memorised from a recent sermon I had attended.
That episode showed me how the Lord always delivers according to His will and plan. By His grace, she hung on for a few more hours before we all parted ways that very morning.
Ever since then, I have never looked back. “Visiting” changed to “staying” in the church (BBTC back then) and I thank God for how He has blessed my journey thus far and all those around me. If I had to describe my relationship with Him, it will be one of constant reminders. His word and ways never fail to arrive at the right time to put me back on track, especially on a few occasions that threatened to derail my faith.
God’s constant reminders throughout Covid-19
In the second half of 2020, our study of Hebrews in the midst of the dark days of Covid-19 encouraged me to persevere on in faith: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
And even as we remain optimistic that life will revert back to normal one day, our study on 1 Kings in the first half 2021 reminds us to stay grounded and focused on the Lord and not allow any distraction to draw us away from God. In 1 Kings, Solomon started out on the right footing but as his earthly pursuits started to show progress, he continued to build on them and lost sight of God. The parable of the rich fool in Luke is a good summary of King Solomon’s journey: “So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:21)
We have all been living in a period of considerable uncertainty for some time now, driven primarily by Covid-19. I, and am sure a few others also, have wondered at times if the Lord has gone into a short period of slumber and left us to fend for ourselves over the past 18 months. But He assured me once again (two weekends ago) through testimony I heard that I should trust in His plan and timing, as it says in Jeremiah 29:11,
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
It is my prayer that all of us continue to follow in the Lord’s ways despite the various uncertainties thrown at us, especially in this trying time. And I also pray that we all continue to be the salt and light that He has intended for all of us to be.
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16
Press on Gracians!