Sixteen weeks have passed since the start of 2008, and much has happened, much indeed.
It has not always been good 'happenings'.
In fact, truth be told, some have been downright distressing.
Over the course of these four months,
I have seen Christians compromise.
I have seen Christians walking straight into the gates of sin, heeding not our cries and pleas, entrapped in the snares and distractions of the evil one.
I have seen people fall away.
I have even seen people give up their faith.
and all these pain me, because these were once brothers, who were running the race alongside myself.
these were brothers, some of whom had prayed together, fought together, gave thanks together, with me.
In the past.
however.
There is too cause for rejoicing.
in the span of these four months, I have:
- rediscovered Christian meditation, rediscovering as a result an overflowing source of joy once again (whoopee!)
- heard of people coming to Christ, several reports coming from our very own roundabout evangelism as well ((((:
- observed some Year5s stepping up and beginning to burn for God (hohoho)
- some more stuff, which I cannot really remember at this point because I am tired, but YEAH THERE'S MORE.
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Well, my dear brothers and sisters, whoever said that the Christian life was easy?
(if anyone did indeed profess such a claim, let me assure you - that person was lying. ha.)
With each additional step we take for Christ, we would inevitably find the difficulties and obstacles increasing exponentially.
In fact, as masochistic and stupid as it sounds, I used to take joy whenever obstacles, difficulties, and discouragements came our way, because I took them as signs that we were doing our job.
Why would the evil one bother making life difficult, if we posed no threat to his territory, or his 'kingdom' of the air?
For myself, the weeks have been getting increasingly tough. Very often I find myself gasping for time, not to relax or chill out (such luxuries I dare not even ask for nowadays), but simply to internalize the stuff we are taught in class so quickly amidst all the breakneck frequency of deadlines; to get some revision done. Until as recently as last week or so, I was finding it increasingly difficult setting aside time to pray.
However, as the first point of my 'thanksgiving list' highlighted, I recently rediscovered the joy of meditation again. I must confess though, that it took me quite a bit of effort getting back. The early mornings of the past week I had spent on the Level 6 balcony of the IB block, praying, meditating, and simply spending time in close communion with God. If you were wondering the reason for my absenting myself from the FireAC morning meetings, there you have it :) It was a wise decision, one I am immensely grateful to Him for directing. Oh, my fellow Christians, how often do we lose sight of our greatest Friend as we carry on with our daily lives! Even amidst our ministry, it is so important for us to consistently set aside quality time to spend with the Almighty. Sometimes, Quiet Time alone does not cut it. If you find yourself losing your intimacy with God (as I did), drifting further and further away, or by horrors, losing your joy, perhaps it is time you set aside some time, (fast a meal or two maybe,) to draw near to the Saviour.
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FireAC is a ministry of Revival. It was formed with the primary intention, and objectives, of saving lives.
Christians need to be fired up; they need to be compelled to experience God for themselves; they need to discover the absolute JOY of Christianity; they need to be set ablaze.
Pre-believers need to be reached out to; they need to be pleaded with; begged with; such that they may be snatched from the road to hell to a lifetime (and eternity) of salvation and joy with Jesus Christ.
I am glad that John, Tim, and gang have spent time elaborating and refocussing our attentions on the basis of our existence, sharing our hopes and dreams with everyone.
We had seen several movements of God in the past - they were exciting, exhilarating, and utterly invigorating. However, my friends, let me tell you that they were just but the tip of the iceberg.
Imagine how it will be, when God moves in a huge and powerful way, sweeping across the hearts of the people. Young and old will turn to Jesus. (Fling wide you heavenly gates? :D )
Imagine that. Is that not cause to fight for, is that not cause to die for?
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Time, unfortunately, permits me not the luxury of writing further. I am, unfortunately, still a student, a candidate of the International Baccalaureate Programme, with all its demands and expectations :/
Before I close, however, I shall share a quote by a great servant of God, the first Methodist pastor John Wesley. It is one that never fails to inspire, and provoke, me on to acts of greater service.
"Give me one hundred preachers, who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on earth.
God does nothing but in answer to prayer."
So now I pray, "Give me one hundred ACSians, ..."
Will you join me, comrades?
Cheers,
K
