WAITING FOR YOU

REMARKABLE TRANSFORMATION: BE WATCHFUL

Colossians 4:2

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful

As we were relaxing our minds and bodies in the comfortable and resting chairs of the diner, we were treated to a magnificent performance by His courtesy in Perhentian; the waves gently slapping the shore, the sea sparkling in crystal blue, the sun bulging in orange red hue. The horizon was picturesque and we went wild clicking and snapping to capture these magical moments.

 

As we watched, the scene momentously changed; the clouds while reflecting the pinkish rays of the setting ball of fire, were appearing in shapes of cute porky pig, adorable poodles, proud fiery dragon...We were intrigued by their remarkable transformation. Slowly, the orange faded out of the limelight into the horizon, leaving a vast blanket of indigo blue. The show had come to an end.

On another evening while we were relaxing from a dinner table with a scenic sea view, high above the ground, we could see the fishing village across the island. As usual, the sun was setting. About 10 minutes later, the scene changed dramatically and drastically. We saw a cloud of mist covering the whole fishing village. To our astonishment, we realized that it was torrential rain and the mist was rapidly moving towards us. The waiters hurriedly pulled down the blinds and the customers took the cue to run inward.

Before the blinds were fully down, the winds were howling and the rain beating onto the dinner tables. Everything was drenched; wet, wet, wet. What an experience! The change in weather took us by surprise. We were not prepared for such a turn of events. It whined, howled for about half an hour before everything returned to normal. After that, everyone seemingly went about their activities without any trace of a previous storm in their lives! Some even moved back to their preferred dinner spots and life goes on.

Nothing is certain. Only change is. It is wise to be prepared and watchful for unexpected changes in life. These are beyond our control but we can depend on our unchanging God to calm any storm in our lives.

CONFUSING INFORMATION: BE DISCERNING

Titus 2:13

While we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Lord Jesus Christ.

They were sincerely helpful folks but the problem was that their information did not square up. “The bus will come at 9am”, declared the Chinese shopkeeper. Some said 930, others 1030 and even 11. By now, I am sure you would be as confused as we were. Because we were unable to discern which was the correct information, we literally stood steadfastly and faithfully at the designated spot from 845am.

At 915, we were so happy to spot the approaching bus from the opposite direction that we grabbed our bags in great anticipation for boarding. But the guy leisurely seated on his motorbike and flipping his newspapers informed us that the bus would make a turn back in our direction in 1.5 hours' time. And the bus scooted off without us!

With a little sadness, we were left waiting; initially, we stood in great anticipation and later, sat down, exhausted by the weariness of the eyes trained on every approaching bus and the seemingly endless wait. When it finally came at 1040, our minds and legs were numbed; stomachs grouching, bladders straining and spirits downcast.

I cannot but compare this little episode to our earthly journey when we also wait in great anticipation for the Lord's coming. While waiting, hunger and thirst hit us, exhaustion and depression snares at us, information confuses our minds and spiritual battles knock us off. As worldly matters overwhelmed us, our hearts become a little disheartened and our spirits less discerning. I pray that we will be wise and discerning lest we become too weary and tired out by the wait and be found joyless and unprepared at His return.

LOST DIRECTION: BE PRAYERFUL

James 5:13

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray.

We trekked twice. The first was spacious, easy and straight forward. The second was slightly challenging with narrow paths, fallen tree branches, steep steps and dense vegetation. Both times, the Lord's hands were upon us and saw us through the difficulties.

Though these trails were well trodden, we nevertheless started the journeys with some anxiety and apprehension. Our first step was met with a small monitor lizard. Its appearance startled us as we did not expect it. I was pretty sure it was as afraid of us as we were of him.

Whenever we had doubts on the direction of our trail, we prayed silently for His guidance. And He answered by providing people along the way to help us. In the middle of the trail, we saw an approaching couple whom we met at the jetty on our arrival. Again when we were at crossroads at the end, we met another couple confirming the route.

Because our earthly pilgrimage is like a maze of jungle trails, we tend to get entangled and entrapped along the way. And when we lose focus and direction, fear and anxiety creep in and overwhelm us. But take heart that God is faithful to answer our prayers. He never fails to give us assurances and provides us with guidance out of the maze through the tunnel into the light.

Alexjoshua

28 Sep 2009