She Is Waiting

They cried to you and were saved;
In you they trusted and were not disappointed.

(Psalm 22:5, NIV)

A small girl looked around in the crowd. She scanned for her daddy. He was here a while ago. “Where is he now?” Her heart grew with anxiety as her search continued in vain. She was hopeful although still waiting – with an increasing fear.

She trusted he would come back but he still hadn't show up. All sorts of thoughts kept rushing into her mind.

“How long more has she to wait?”
“Daddy won’t leave me. He promised.”
“But where is he?”
“ I've been a good girl. I always tried to be the best to please him. Maybe I messes up things once in a while, but as much as I can and know how, I will be obedient.”
“He can’t possibly leave me now.”

Her tears dropped. “Daddy, where are you?”

She sat at the pavement and waited. She remembered what he always said, “If you get lost, please don’t wonder around. Stay where you are and wait for me. I will come back for you.” She wiped her tears. She told herself to be brave and whispered, “Daddy, don’t take too long.”

Have you ever felt like the little girl? Somewhere in life’s crowd you got lost. You lost sight of God. Your hand slipped off his. You are alone and fearful. You don’t think your cry will reach him in this massive crowd. Your heart thumped with greater anxiety as you are surrounded by the unknown. You wish you could just catch a glimpse of him but you see nothing. But you remember his promises.

“I will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5)
“As surely as the sun rises, he will come…” (Hosea 6:3)
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24)
There are endless reassurances in his word.

How often do our minds wonder like the little girl and get anxious. The psalmist tells us when we cry to him and trust him; we will be saved and not disappointed. God is true to his word and is not a liar (Numbers 23:19).

He will fulfil his promises. Just wait for him. We may not understand his timing. Many times he trains us to be strong and courageous in the waiting. He stretches our faith and in the process we really get to know who our God is. So as I speak to myself, I like to encourage you too, hang in there…he will surely come!

Heavenly Daddy, here am I waiting…for you to come rescue me, comfort me, heal me, [fill in whatever your need is]. I trust in You, You and You alone! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Leave a comment: what is God’s promise to you and how do you conquer your fear?

In His Name

May the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

(Psalm 20:1, NIV)


“Aunty Senina, Aunty Senina, Aunty Senina…” little Kael called incessantly the moment we connected. The barely 3 year old could not pronounce the “l” despite his mum corrected him a few times. Thus my name change. His chubby little finger hooked onto mine and dragged me all around to tour his house as we met for the first time. His friendliness warmed my heart as he opened up to me so quickly. Soon I was his buddy for the weekend. My name was buzzing in the air the entire time. Kael and Aunty Senina were inseparable. Aunty Senina’s name never left Kael’s lips. This name became the the name which carry much power. His mum would use the name to get him do something when he refused. The name got him going.

“Your name will be useful for a while after you leave this weekend,” chuckled his dad. “I am sure we can get him to do things by just mentioning it,” he continued. What power in that name for Kael’s little world!

A few days after my return of that short trip away I read Psalm 20. Verse 1 begins with an exhortation of God’s name. It says this name “protects”. That was comforting to me as I was still nursing my gastric reflux. No matter what happens, I can call on this name, the name above all other names to protect me. It is not just any name. It is not Aunty Senina in Kael’s little world for a weekend. This awesome name is the One who saves. The Everlasting One.

I must admit I was a bit tired of answering Kael after some time. But God never gets tired when we call his name. His name makes our enemy trembles and flees. Psalm 20:7 declares that, “some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord, our God.” It is not in the physical magnitude and massive weight that we should rely on, but our reliance is in placing our trust in his majestic name. The mention of his name guarantees our protection. I am reminded of many boys who would use their daddies’ names when they are being bullied. “I will tell my daddy!”

How about us? We can always tell our Daddy too. Just declare his name!

Let us sing his name. Let’s shout for joy unto his name. Let’s lift up the banner in the name of the Lord (Psalm 20:5). Remember David overcame Goliath in the name of the Lord!

Abba Father, Yours is the Most Beautiful Name of all. The name which is above all other names. Today I declare your power in my life, the trusted name of all generations. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I Need Just A Little Bit More

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

Psalm 18:32-34, NIV

As I watched my husband boarded for his flight 9 days ago, my mind hit the fast speed button to process all that needs to be done while he was away. The list was obviously endless and overwhelming. I spoke to my mind to stay in control and kept whispering to God to help me hold them all in good composure and spirit. The last thing I want was to see in the mirror an ugly grumpy woman. I wanted God to show up in every stop as I press the accelerator pedal of my week. Although I couldn’t envision the sight of rest stops along the week I knew it was crucial to pull up by the side to look up and find help. Indeed I did.

Interruptions.
Inconveniences.
Illnesses.
They mount up as the days took every turn. Every night I prayed it would be a better day the next. Did it get any better? Unfortunately, not. In those disrupting, disturbing and distracting moments God breathed his portion of joy and peace over me. I pleaded to God to make it easier but he didn’t seem to be bothered of the intensity I was undergoing. Oh well, I couldn’t deny the evidence of his presence even though he didn’t answer my pleas.

The long exhaustive Psalm 18 has always been my inspiration to press on knowing that God is my sure help and promise of victory. Surely he will “arm me with strength” again and “train my hands for battle.” Certainly he will empower me to run and stand where I need to be. The small battles of everyday life are the best training ground for God to use to mould and make me to be the woman he wants me to be. I only need to be a willing vessel. Was it fun? Totally not! If I had a choice, I would drive off a different route last week. Not on this narrow highway.

Except for that little part of me which chose to escape the refining fire, the rest of me agreed to stay and watch him fill me with the strength he promised. I joked in the midst of all my stress and pain that people should see me in this mess and they would know I am not a superwoman at all. At that point, my daughter made a simple yet very comforting remark, “But, mum, they can still see your smile.” In that brief moment, I recognized God had given me that little bit more to carry on. After all, I just need a little bit more. My spiritual arms and legs’ muscles are toned as I endured the training. They will be more prepared to handle the heavier weights and bigger challenges of this season.

How are your spiritual muscles? Are they toned and supple?
Or are they in spiritual atrophy?Which route are you driving in life? The easy way out or the ancient narrow path?
Can I invite you to allow and trust God for a spiritual toning and endurance test? Right at the place where you are now. The aching muscles may seem unbearable but remember God’s promises and you’ll be tried and trained for his purposes.

Heavenly Father, grant me the strength for today to do what fulfils your plan and let me arise for a greater cause. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Worth Waiting

10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” 11 The word of the LORD came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?” “I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied. 12 The LORD said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching[a] to see that my word is fulfilled.”

(Jeremiah 1:10-12)

Life certainly moves fast in this era. Where did the months go? It’s been almost half a year since I had time to blog. As God’s people I am constantly reminded to slow down and catch my moments with our Father. Easy? Definitely not. Many circumstances stormed into my life like uninvited guests. As much as I would love to push them off and say, “NO”, they came right at my doorstep seeking to rob my joy and peace. God arose in my midst and held all things in his mighty hands! Col. 1:17.

As I step back and look intently at all the happenings, the turns and curves of life’s journey I am grateful for God’s presence and providence. The rough edges smoothened by his grace. The tears wiped when I sought his face. In the midst he threw in some sweet surprises. My eyes have seen the fulfillment of many of his promises.

His words of affirmation that he is a God who will perform his word spoke into my heart again as I read Jeremiah 1:10-12. I am excited as I wait eagerly to watch his word being fulfilled. He can be trusted. It is worth waiting.

At this juncture of crossing over to a brand new year, I am wrapped in his immensity, and to stand in this season seeking to get a better glimpse of his greatness and goodness; and to embrace EMMANUEL – God with us!

What has God spoken to you?
Remember to wait and watch intently as he fulfill what he said.

Happy New Year and blessed waiting…

Heavenly Father, I know your word is truth. Waiting is a tedious process but surely waiting on you will never lead to disappointment. Let my eyes see the fulfilment of your word in my life in this coming new year. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Call and Colours of the Morning

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of age.

(Matthew 28:20, NIV)

The song of nature came to my ears as I read the portion of scriptures in the late morning after the house switched to silent mode. It’s always a welcoming change when there’s a constant buzzing sound of children running in the house. They’ve been whizzed off to the botanical gardens with the grandparents.

My ears couldn’t ignore the birds’ songs. Some gentle tweets. Some harsh callings. The various pitches and whistles made a sweet melody.

As my eyes sought to trace them, I caught some beautiful colours against the usual green backdrop. I noticed the changes in the trees. One looks pretty barren in the hot weather with leaves falling all the time. I watched the dry brown leaves descending as they floated in the air carried by the gentle wind and touched the ground. The barren tree has a certain beauty even standing next to the one which still flourishes. Both radiate with elegance in the bright sunny day. Different colours splashed in to cheer these earthly tones. Bright red and blues streaks. Bright yellow with blacks. The kingfisher flew low and perched on a branch briefly. Two orioles were flapping from one tree to another. My eyes were actively following their flight and observing their movements while being entertained by their unending song. In the low were the white butterflies fluttering to and fro gently. On the different divisions of this natural display were the usual mynas, sparrows and crows. The norm of the seemingly ordinary trees was disturbed by these creatures’ activities. As I observed the constant flow of changes taking place this morning under the bright sun, I received a renewal of strength and peace to face the inevitable changes and challenges of life.

Life is a process of change. It is changing all the time. Seasons change. People change. Circumstances change. We need to welcome changes – good and difficult ones with the strength and grace of God. Jesus said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of age.”

Do not look forward to changes and chances of this life in fear. God will shield you from suffering, or he will give you unfailing strength to bear it. He will silently plan for you.
- E. Mary Grimes

Just like my morning observation of the trees – one flourishes and one almost barren. Both are beautiful in their own rights. The quiet and painful changes (if the trees could talk) shone with certain loveliness in the bright sun. Their beauty being magnified with the changing colours that splashed in between and the disturbance of noises of the creatures.

What kind of changes are we going through? Or potential changes coming soon? Welcome them with God’s grace and spot the beautiful colours and sweet melody in the midst of trials, difficulties and pain. Let his glorious beauty shine in and through us to achieve his kingdom purpose.

Thank you, Lord that I can welcome the changes in my life, not in fear but in faith because You promised to be with me all the appointed days. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Just Enough for Today

Then the Lord said to Moses, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.
However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell.

Exodus 16:4, 20

My dear husband promised to take me to Tasmania, Australia where he pursued his bible studies almost 20 years ago. Our hearts were thrilled when the opportunity came one and a half year ago when we took our sabbatical year and rested Down Under for more than two months. In Tasmania, we stayed in Smithon, a small town nestled in the north-west. It was simply lovely to be away from the hustle and bustle of busy cities.

Every morning, my daughter, Nat being the early riser loved to date me for morning walks and get our day's groceries from the nearby store. We would bundle ourselves up snugly and head off in the cold winter mornings just enjoying each other's company while getting to know the little town where her dearest daddy had talked so much about. Indeed everything is simple in Smithon - the place and the people. Friendly faces greeted us everywhere we went. It seemed like there's no strangers in this community. It gave us a very secure feeling to roam around. One of the best thing was to hunt for the best deal in the grocery store daily in the reduced to clear section.

Budget was a crucial matter for us. Every dollar and cent needed to be stretched to the fullest to feed the whole family especially when the currency conversion rate was high. We were very glad and grateful to be able to find food daily at an outrageuos marked down prices. I will never find them in our local scene. It was delightful as we went through the items and picked out our daily needs like bread, authentic Aussie pies, milk and desserts. Often we would enjoy a variety of pies for our meals. One time we indulged in a A$6.00 chocolate mudpie for the whole family at the price of 50 cents! Our Aussie friends marvelled at this particular finding. They confessed they never came across such a cheap deal. We believed it was God's gracious provision for us. Nat had really wished for the mudpie during her stay there and God blessed her (and the whole family since the mudpie was 1kg).

One weekend, we decided to drive 5 hours to Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania. Being a melancholy woman, I wanted to be as prepared as always for the trip. So I insisted to pick up our daily needs from the store before shooting off for the long drive. That would save us some bucks instead of eating at cafes along the way. Lo and behold! The sale section had so much to offer that day. One of them was multigrain bread which we never bother considering since we could not afford it. It was more than six times the price of our usual plain white bread. My eyes twinkled in delight as I chose from the selection. I checked the expiry date. Good news. Still a long way to go. At least long enough for our trip and few days' stay in the city. I grabbed two loaves along with other stuff. Proudly I announced to my husband and kids of my treasure for the day since I am pretty particular about nutrition. Multigrain was definitely a premium choice compared to the cheap white bread.

The next day or two, I discovered to my horror the bread had turned stale and molded. We haven't even finished a loaf! My heart ached with regrets and instantly remembered the words of the Lord spoken to Moses instructing the Israelites to collect the manna just enough for that day. Just like the Israelites, I had disobeyed and collected more for the day's ration. God's instruction in Exodus 16 became alive for me. I was supposed to be resting in the Lord and trusting His faithful and timely provision but had in my own wisdom stored up unnecessary.

We are living in hard times. The global hit by economic crisis causes many to be in despair. Many lost their jobs or experiencing pay cut. Others wondered what entails. Are you worrying about tomorrow? What you will eat and wear? Your job or education? Your future? Matthew 6:25-34 calls our attention to God's mindful provision in the field. He feeds the birds and clothes the lilies. What more - we, as His precious children?! Will He not give us what we need? Perhaps we need to trust Him just enough for today.

Heavenly Father, forgive me for not being able to surrender all my needs. I acknowledge You are the Giver of life and my Gracious Provider. Thank you for supplying all my daily needs. Help me to be grateful. Forbid me to be trapped in anxiety and caught up in the race of greed. Release Your peace and give me a trusting heart. In Jesus' name. Amen.