This morning I stumbled upon a short conversation between Eric Liddell and his sister Jenny. Eric was trying to explain his calling to her. It went like this:
Had he stopped there, most of us would have clearly understood his statement -- he had surrendered to the high calling of missions. That's clearly how Jenny understood him. But Liddell continued. "But He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure... To win is to honor Him."
(1)
What an eye-opener.
I thought God would be most honored if I were to give up everything, together with my talents and passions, for the advancement of His kingdom-- in the "full-time" kind of sense. And so when I somehow decided to give them up, I was left in a stand still.
For some time, I did not know what to do, where to go.
I kept asking God, "Where Lord? Where are you taking me?"
I was on my way home from Cebu when I claimed Psalm 25 as my prayer. Like me, King David was hoping God would also lead him to the right "way" or "path." However, seeking or waiting on God is seen as foolish in this very fast paced world. And so the first three verses were just as apt.. what a beautiful promise!
Psalm 25
Of David.
1 In you, LORD my God, I put my trust.
2 I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.
4 Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me, for you, LORD, are good.
8 Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
...Then there was silence. After a couple more days of soul searching, a friend suggested I answer a discernment exercise. This exercise shows a framework that may guide one to discover one's calling. It comprises three important sets of questions:
PASSIONS: When do you experience deep joy?
BURDENS: What breaks your heart? What needs in the community grabs you the most?
GIFTS: What are you gifted at? What do others think you're gifted at?
... Then I discovered something. I believe God made me for a purpose - for His church. But He also made me creative. And when I create and empower others to create... I feel His pleasure. To create is to honor Him.
So I decided to have crafts time with Fay and Ruby today.
Below is Fay trying to sew strips of junkfood wrappers for her eco-friendly bag.
And Ruby making a vase out of an empty bottle and old newspapers.
That's all folks! 
This is Fay's final output.
Cheers and good night! :)
Source:
(1) Business as Missions by Michael R. Baer
I've read: Women's ministry is to teach :) may God continue to teach us that we may pass on to others what we've learned :)
ReplyDeleteAmen to that prayer, sister!
ReplyDelete