Leave the Consequences

 We honor God most when we trust him most.  {GW92 424.1} 

When I went out of PAFCOE, it was clear to me that God was calling me to spend the rest of my life serving Him. From that time, I began to understand that my life, my body, my hands, my feet are not mine, but the Lord’s. And if I’m gonna live for the mission, I am to die in the mission.

Perhaps the greatest struggle with that commitment is being surrounded with people who do not have the same pursuit. From social media sites, to friends, to church members, everyone longs to have stability on this earth, to be successful in terms of career, money, and maybe influence. Everybody, as it seems, wants to make a name, to be respected through education, through financial stability or to whatever the world deems to be important. With this, missionaries are often seen as lower class in society.When one gives his life to the Lord wholly, people immediately label the words- weak, cheap, unintelligent.

“Missionary ra ka?”

“Nakahuman pud kag skwela day?”

“Wala pa diay ka nagtake ug boards”

“Go up pud sa higher level. Ayaw pud permi sa ubos. Ayaw ilower imo self. Naa biya kay utok”

And with this sphere, it is  such a great temptation to measure up to that standard knowing that God has given you the capability. There are times when I am tempted to think, “Hulat lang mo. when I become an engineer, makakita jud mo nga dili diay mga ubos ang mga missionary.”  Sometimes you veil things by convincing yourself as being zealous for the glory of the Lord through excelling in the world’s eyes and yet when you speak the truth in your heart,  you know you just had a wounded pride.

But, however great that temptation may be,  I understand my life is not mine anymore. I have already made a commitment to the Lord. I am determined to accept His plans for me and no make plans for myself. After all, what is life? Isn’t it like a flower that is quickly fading?

Ps 39:4 LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.

Let us remember that the life of God’s children in this world is a pilgrim life. We have not wisdom to plan our own lives. It is not for us to shape our future. “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8. {HDL 18.2}

Christ in His life on earth made no plans for Himself. He accepted God’s plans for Him, and day by day the Father unfolded His plans. So should we depend upon God, that our lives may be the simple outworking of His will. As we commit our ways to Him, He will direct our steps. {HDL 18.3}

Too many, in planning for a brilliant future, make an utter failure. Let God plan for you. As a little child, trust to the guidance of Him who will “keep the feet of His saints.” 1 Samuel 2:9. God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. {HDL 19.1}

Yesterday, I knew that the review for my board exam starts on November. Prior to that, I have already committed to conduct an evangelistic meeting from November to December. It was a struggle for me. Should I give up the Lord’s work and pursue the road to obtaining a license?  It was a terrible struggle. Am I willing to give up my ambition?  Why would the Lord test me in this? Why would he allow me to make a commitment for the evangelistic work without informing me first that I have a review? It was difficult. Somehow, I reasoned my board exam is not for my own glory, it is for the Lord. But should I leave the work to pursue this? Is this the will of GOD?

And the thoughts came.

What would you choose if you knew you are soon to die?

If Jesus was here on earth, what do you think would He choose?

If Jesus would come immediately, where would you want to be found by Him?

Make no calculation for months or years; these are not yours. One brief day is given you. As if it were your last on earth, work during its hours for the Master. Lay all your plans before God, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Accept His plans instead of your own, even though their acceptance requires the abandonment of cherished projects. {ML 35.4}

I know Jesus would not pursue His own will. He accepted the Father’s plans for Him. In fact, the joy that was set before Him made Him endure the cross and despise the shame. I know Jesus would choose the work.

And so, however strong may be my wanting to start my review on time and be serious about it, I could not be too selfish. Souls are more important for me than my own license. I know I could still work for the Lord with or without a license. After all, can I really believe that a license would commend the gospel to men minus the blessing of the Lord? I have found joy. And should I forget it? I have found joy not in degrees, not in honor, not in other people’s respect, not in other people’s esteem, not in money, not in having a job, not in food, not in relationships,but I have found joy in wearing simple clothes and walking on streets, knocking on doors, sharing and preaching the Word, saving the lost, healing and praying for the physical and soul-sickness, giving my life for others, and I don’t need the commendation of men. I have found joy in serving others and making my Jesus happy.

the joy in serving

May the Lord give me a happy disposition. After all, choosing the Lord is never grievous. That is, if you truly love Him.

Would the Lord deliver me?  I don’t know. Just that what TRUST IS. Choosing Him, whether He delivers me or not because I know, whether in affliction, or deliverance, GOD LOVES ME.

Dan 3:17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
Dan 3:18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

And so with this, I rest my case and to GOD, I leave the consequences.