Thursday, February 08, 2007

A God who reconciles

It's strange.
In the last one month, 4 of my friendships suddenly resolved themselves. I had nothing to do with it. Really!
1. M. who i had lost touch with for about 4 yrs. I was insensitive to her feelings and she had hung up on me. I tried to apologise many times but she never returned my calls. I spied her coming down the escalator at the hypermarket. She smiled at me and that was all the encouragement i needed! We exchanged handphone numbers again. She had lost her phone a couple of times (it appears she never received my messages).

2. J. one of my favourite students who dropped out of my bible class wrote me an email apologizing for quitting the way he did. That incident had made it a little awkward for us to be around each other. I asked him to forgive me too.

3. S. who warmly responded to my New Year wishes after i had given up on us remaining friends. She even gave me her new email address to keep in touch! I am absolutely relieved I am still her friend!

4. L. who didn't say goodbye when she suddenly left the house we were renting together nearly 3 years ago. That really gave me grief because we got along quite well.
L. tells me it must be God who is tying up some loose ends for me. Like prophet Elisha who settled his personal affairs before he accepted his new commission.

Honestly i don't know whether this means i am moving on but I do know it HAS to be God because i asked Him to fix my broken relationships. It's bad testimony for those of us who are supposed to be in the business of reconciling people back to Him! There are a couple more.... but God knows when and how.

Praying with Paul (Colossians 1:9-12)

God, fill me with the knowledge of your will
empty me of self-absorbed ambitions so that the full knowledge of your purpose fills me up to the brim. I do not want to be ignorant or dispassionate of your will for my life.
through all spiritual wisdom and understanding
help me discern what is your will, not by using human intellect but by discovering it through the revelation of your spirit. I don't want to guess or presume that I know what it is. How can the finite mind understand the intricate workings of your infinite wisdom? I don't want hints or suspicions. You are the God who speaks clearly, "this is the path, walk in it". Show me in Your Word. Explain it to my mind. Clarify it through others.
in order that I may live a life worthy of my Lord
I want to be a credible witness for you. I don't want to practice a different gospel from the one you preached. Consciously and consistently following in the Master's footsteps.
pleasing you in every way
to concentrate on making you proud of me without fear or favour of man. Even if nobody sees, let me always choose to walk in integrity before you. Even if I mess up, teach me to be responsible so you don't have to be ashamed of me.
bearing fruit in every good work
to succeed in every good work you've ordered me to do. 'Success' simply defined as doing your work your way. Nothing more, nothing less, nothing else. Help me remember that I'm not doing this for monetary reward or man's applause but at the end of the day to hear you say, "Well done good and faithful servant".
growing in the knowledge of God
I want first-hand knowledge of you, personally tutored by your spirit. Like Mary who chose to spend her time sitting at your feet.
strengthen me with all power according to your glorious might
I can't dictate what you can or cannot do in and through me. All things are possible with you. My weakness? Simply an opportunity for you to show me how strong you are.
so that I may have great endurance and patience
the real goal of my faith is the cultivation of character. It's not what I can gain in terms of power, position or popularity. It is always about becoming more and more like you.
and joyfully give thanks to the Father, who has qualified me to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light
bathe my heart with gratitude. Never let me forget what you have done for me eternally. You are my father. I am your heir. I have an incredible destiny in you. I am indeed blessed!