Reflection by Lim Zhi Jing
2022 marks my first year of scouting around in South Asia, hitting the ground to understand what God is doing and how we can be a part of His movement. As God opened doors, we came to know of some local tech companies. We are in talks with one particular startup to explore partnering in the vocational up-skilling of their freelance plumbers & electricians. Although this is a small step in exploring if there is room for us in this arena, we are hopeful. For just as the Lord first led us to support passionate pastors in church planting, likewise we now see similar passion in entrepreneurs who are looking to improve the livelihoods of their fellowmen. Thus I pray for God to guide us as He opens and closes doors, teach us how to work, who to work with, and for what goals. All in accordance to His will.
During my time there, I also went on a 13-day trek which became one of my key highlights for 2022. Enduring the cold and altitude sickness before crossing the high pass at 5,416m broke me, both physically and mentally. Many times I thought of turning back, but because we had already passed the halfway mark, returning would be longer than if we just went ahead. It was also in those moments that I questioned my motivation and heard what God has to say about my present state of suffering.
As much as I'd like to think that it was I who decided to come on this trek, God made it clear that it would not have been possible without Him from the start. Literally, just days earlier, trekkers were forced to turn back due to bad weather and landslides. Therefore I did not do anything except to accept His invitation. Understanding how many factors had to be in perfect alignment just to make the trek possible also made me realise that my bodily suffering alone cannot be the deal-breaker. Perhaps the same can be said of Life's journey. If we see that the invitation is from God, then it's natural for uncertainties to abound over what lies ahead or even if we'll survive the journey at all. Yet with greater trust in God, comes greater clarity.
I truly got to savour the deep meaning of Prov 3:5-6.
