What has happened is this:
Due to God’s grace, I managed to bring my dad to Chinese Ministry’s Parent Day Dinner, hoping that my dad can hear the gospel once again. After the preaching, I did some following-up with my dad on his opinion and so on. His feedback actually pierced my heart and at another incident, my sister also pointed out her views on me. No doubt these have caused a great impact on me as I was thinking that I've improved as a Christian but my family thinks otherwise. After the Bible study group prayed for me, again the above-mentioned verses on “press on” popped-out in my mind.
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.Seriously I know I am nowhere near perfection but I press on, that I may grapple the purpose that Christ Jesus has for me. I must say I’m still “work-in-progress”! I am asking God to give me the extra portion of strength, grace and better time management to handle the things before me!
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,Brothers and sisters, though God has unfolded many things through my meditation and time alone with Him, I still need more time to figure out the full plan from Him to place me in such a situation.
But something for sure here is that, God urges me to lay aside my baggage and slowly forget my past that has daunted me every now and then. Here, God asked me to throw away everything that hinders my growth (Heb 12:1a) and stretch forth my hand to what He has in store for me.
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Again, He prompted me to march on until I reach my target for the eternal reward of His specific calling in my life.
May this piece of sharing encourages you in your walk with our good God! XD
In Him, Yit Mun (aka IP Man)
Images taken from:
http://mklasing.wordpress.com/2009/05/08/business-failing-well-raise-your-prices-just-ask-the-post-office/
http://www.amazon.com/High-Sierra-Luggage-32-Inch-Wheeled/dp/B004UB3P3O
Climbing gunung angsi for the second time did not make it all that easy. We were more prepared this time, but nonetheless it was still tough. The steep stairs were the hardest part for me. Each stair was almost a foot high and the flight of stairs never ended. Every time we reached a bend, we were met with another flight of stairs and this continued a few times. It was not only physically challenging but mentally challenging as well as we did not know exactly when we would reach the top.
Well, I think our Christian lives are like climbing up a steep, windy hill. It is never easy, always an uphill battle, be it against the world or against your old nature. On top of that, it is a life of faith. Often times we do not see the end result of God's plan. We are just called to do it. This is just like that bend with the flight of stairs after it. God reveals His plans one step at a time. We have to continually seek Him out for guidance on this journey of life of ours.
So I just want to encourage you guys to keep focused on the goal which you have been called to. Lets not get lost and also encourage others to stay on the track and finish the climb!