Conversations over Coffee

Note: This article originally appeared in Zes-T, a publication of Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC)

They were old friends from the same cell group while in college. When Nigel returned to Malaysia for a holiday, they decided to meet up for drinks at a café nearby.

Karen: Hey Nigel, long time no see! How’s life?

Nigel: Hi Karen. I’m doing well. Just back for a short break so I thought we could meet up. I haven’t seen you since…

Karen: Yup, since my wedding…lah. That was five years ago.

Nigel: Ya lor, haven’t even met your daughter. Where is she today?

Karen: Her daddy has taken her for her Gymboree class. That is why I have a bit of free time this afternoon.

Marissa: Hi guys! Sorry I’m late. Have you guys ordered anything? Coffee? So when are you coming back for good, Nigel?

Nigel: That is a good question. I’m still thinking about it. I wish I could put out a fleece on the ground like what Gideon did [Judges 6:36-40]. Or ask God to write his plan for me on rainbows in the sky!

Karen: Aww, come on… I heard you had a good job offer in one of the multinational companies. Besides, I met your dad at the coffee shop that day and he is really keen for you to come back. He must be feeling quite lonely since your mum passed on.

Nigel: I know. My main reason for returning will be family. But when my boss heard that I was thinking of relocating, he offered me a promotion and asked me to stay on in London.

Marissa: Why don’t you pray about it, Nigel? Perhaps then you will get a clearer idea.

Karen: Actually I have often wondered about this ‘praying about something’ business. How sure are we that when we sense this or that, the decision is the right one? How can we, as mere mortals, discern God’s will?

Nigel: I think whatever decision we make, it has to be in line with the Bible. Obviously if it does not comply with Scripture, it is not God’s will.

Karen: Marissa, how about yourself? Seeing anyone new? Thought I saw a status change on Facebook.

Marissa: Sigh…

Nigel: Why? He looked like a pretty decent guy. Engineer was it?

Marissa: Looks can be deceiving. I just found out that he was seeing someone else on the side and that he actually owes the loan sharks a huge amount of money.

Nigel and Karen: What!

Marissa: Haha, yes, I dumped him like a hot ‘keledek’. My mom, pastor and friends also advised me to as well.

Nigel: I think that was pretty sound advice. Proverbs say that ‘plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed’, right? [Proverbs 15:22] Thank God that you had good people around you. They were your cell members, right? Sounds like your ex- had plenty of red flags and your support circle helped you to discern wisely.

Marissa: Don’t worry. I’m OK now. It’s just that – it’s so frustrating when you think that things are going well in your life and suddenly this stuff hits you in the face. I thought this guy was ‘The One’ but looks like I’m wrong again. I feel like such a fool.

Karen: Life can be tough, Mar. Just read something on a blog this morning. Let me get my iPad – there it is. Henri Nouwen said, “Our life is full of brokenness – broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations. How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful except by returning again and again to God’s faithful presence in our lives?”

Nigel: Thankfully we have a Father in heaven who loves us. Look at this other quote by Brennan Manning.

Marissa: Wow, so many quotes today from the two of you.

Nigel: “Define yourself as one radically beloved by God. God’s love for you and his choice of you constitute your worth. Accept that, and let it become the most important part of your life.”

Marissa: Yup. And of course, the oft quoted Romans 8:28 – ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose’. But when things go wrong, somehow that can be quite difficult to believe.

Karen: That’s why you need family and friends to encourage you as well, dearie. And we need to be consistent in terms of our walk and relationship with God.

Nigel: Anyway, if I do come back, the new company wants to expand my job scope. I’m not too sure I can do it. That’s another thing to consider. Perhaps I just need to build up my confidence.

Karen: You were always the top performer in class, Nigel. I’m sure you’ll be alright.

Marissa: Sometimes we have been given gifts and talents and we can figure out what to do with our lives based on the gifts or talents we already possess. Even back in the Old Testament, we have people who had their specific vocations. Remember Tubal-Cain the metal worker and Jubal the musician in Genesis? [cf. Genesis 4:21-22]

Nigel: I guess you have a point, Marissa. Even in the church setting, different people are called to different roles and tasks. We can also utilise our natural abilities in the things that we do.

Karen: Yeah, God appointed some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be teachers, etc, etc. [cf. 1 Corinthians 12:28]

Nigel: Well, would still appreciate your prayers as I reckon I still need some guidance on where He wants me to be. I’m going to take some time alone with God to consider my options before deciding. Maybe even fast and pray…

Marissa: Sure thing, bro. Some people pray for the right doors to be opened and the wrong ones to be closed. It means that His will can also be revealed through our circumstances and opportunities.

Karen: Just remember that the Bible also says, ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’ [Philippians 4:6]

Nigel: Thanks gals. Hey, I have to make a move now, meeting my dad for dinner.

Karen: I have to pick up the hubby and baby as well.

Marissa: I guess that’s it for today then. We’ll see each other online as usual? Facebook?

Nigel: Sure thing! Let me get the bill.

Karen: Thanks Nigel. Bye!

[Image copyright of Gerald Chong Art www.gerartchong.com]

The Storm and The Whisper

He dashed up the spiraling metal stairway, his face flushed with anger and indignation. His coworkers stared at him, stunned, steaming cups of coffee in their hands. He reached the top of the stairs and flung the rusted steel door open. The place was deserted, just as he expected. Fresh air rushed into his lungs and filled his alveoli. He ran to the edge of the building and leaned against the metal railing.

He screamed. The noise of the traffic below drowned out his long cry of anguish and desperation. His blue silk tie flapped in the rushing wind.

Energy spent, he slumped against the vertical bars of the railing. He held his head in his hands and sobbed, tears streaming down.

This wasn’t how he expected life to turn out. He had worked hard for the company for the last five years. He had risen from a junior executive to a senior manager in that time. He spent his weeknights and weekends in the office, putting in extra effort just to get that little edge. And it had paid off so far. Until…

“Joshua,” he caught the warning glint in his boss’ eye that morning when he strode into the office, whistling as usual. The song died on his lips.

“Meet me inside,” came the oft-dreaded phrase.

His boss beckoned to the black leather armchair. He accepted the seat with trepidation and sat down. His boss removed a file from his desk and handed it to Joshua.

“Can you explain this?”

Joshua froze. It was a project that he had handled last month. To his knowledge, everything went well and the client was happy with the results and services provided. His company had made a tidy profit from the job.

“Mark has alleged that you received a nice sum from Mr. Hassan in order to secure the contract. There are also claims that you used cheaper materials in order to the complete the job but pocketed the balance. He has provided photographic evidence and even the copies of the cheques that you had banked in.”

“But boss, you know that isn’t true! I have worked for this company for so long. That isn’t how I do things!” he protested.

“I would like to believe you but the evidence so far is pretty strong. Unfortunately this case has been reported to the authorities and they will definitely need to conduct a probe. I will need to suspend your involvement in all projects until we clear this up. We might also be looking at some other candidate for your current post, especially if these allegations prove to be true. You better be prepared, Josh.”

Numb, he twisted his hands. He nodded and said thanks. He closed the heavy wooden door behind him, a grim faced boss watching as he left the room.

Joshua looked up. Dark clouds clustered overhead and flashes of lightning zigzagged across the purple canvas of the monsoon sky. Flocks of birds flew to their hidden nests, alarmed by the rumbling thunder.

“Why, God? You know I am an earnest worker. I have been honest and trustworthy. Yet there are jealous people who slander me. I have had enough! Perhaps this just isn’t worth it!”

The wind howled and whipped his black locks about his stained face. He stood up and looked at the impending storm without fear.

The rain came. Not in a gentle pitter-patter or a light drizzle. It was a typical torrential tropical late afternoon downpour. The kind that brought downtown Kuala Lumpur to a standstill and inundated the roads with flash floods. The rain soaked through his clothes and dripped off his nose. His hot tears mingled with the relentless cold droplets. The thunder boomed around him like celestial Chinese drums beating in random rhythm, fierce bolts threatening to incinerate him as he watched. A mere finite creature looking on beyond the edge of infinity.

The rain stopped after half an hour. The skies cleared and shafts of sunlight pierced through the swirling white clouds, gently warming his damp skin. Puddles of water left on the rooftop shimmered like constellations of tiny stars pooled on the cement floor.

He looked at his wet leather shoes.

Then a quiet voice spoke to his heart.

“What are you doing here, Joshua?”

“This is unfair, Lord. I am the only one in the office who tries to do business ethically but now, they are trying to slander me and get rid of me. I have worked so hard but now all has been in vain. My reputation is ruined. I don’t even know if I can get sufficient evidence to clear my name since they have falsified the photographs and documents.”

A sense of peace came over him as a comforting whisper provided relief.

“Yes, I will not fear man. I know in Whom I believe in and I will have faith there will be evidence to prove my innocence. After all, I did not do those things which Mark has accused me of. I will not give up easily,” he said resolutely in reply to the still small voice.

He arose and walked towards the open door.