Food for Thought

Had a short chat with dear Hui Min after our get-together. And I felt she was God-given. It's interesting how short conversations can mean so much and that I managed to have a big take home message from that 5+ minute chatter. Makes me realize that it's not how much we talk, but the content of our conversations that matter.

We spoke about how many of us are struggling with different things in life, but yet we all are also somehow or rather in the same boat - all of us feeling drained and burnt out, at times discouraged. So many times we feel the need to strive and to work to make things better for ourselves, to improve our own condition. 

What struck me was when she pointed out that maybe we are trying too hard. Pushing ourselves beyond our limits to achieve things to make ourselves feel like we have made the effort to make a difference in our lives. 

"What if we weren't called to do more... but to do less, so that we can see God at work in us?"

That statement/question really blew my mind. I could really relate with that... as I tend to be a do-er. Always on the go, and not satisfied to take the backseat. But what if I am trying to do everything with my own strength, and not allowing God to work in my life?

I think sometimes I strive too hard to serve God, to glorify Him... not that it's a bad thing. But what if He could be glorified even more if I were to surrender myself to Him and let Him work His wonders?

Already I've seen the many prayers that He has answered in the past - my finances, getting the doctors I need, friends who are understanding... these were providences that I could not have been able to attain on my own. 

I really do need to take a step back and let God work in my life. I know I will struggle with this... but I need to give it a try. 

These verses came to mind as I was reflecting on our conversation:

John 3:30
Hebrews 12:2

I've got to try to focus less on myself and what I can do to make things better, but more on setting my eyes upon God to see Him work in my life. Sometimes, I realize it's so easy to be distracted by the problems at hand, that I would forget the bigger picture; and the One who is in control.

I need to learn to have faith that God is working... even though sometimes it feels like it's a period of silence. Am I being too impatient? He knows what is going on a lot better and more than I do. I still have a lot of questions for sure... and I know that I will still wrestle with God... but it's good to be reminded that He has my best intentions at heart, and if I were to obey Him and remain faithful... I may be more at peace and He will be glorified. 

I'm going to stumble along the way, but I pray that God will continue to remind me to focus on Him.