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!
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