THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER

May 2 and May 4 have always had a special meaning for me. May 2 was the day I left Indonesia and May 4 was the day I set foot on American soil for the first time. The year was 1978. It was the beginning of the second chapter of my life—the chapter where God has, to this day, become the center of my life. THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER

May 2 and May 4 have always had a special meaning for me. May 2 was the day I left Indonesia and May 4 was the day I set foot on American soil for the first time. The year was 1978. It was the beginning of the second chapter of my life—the chapter where God has, to this day, become the center of my life.

In the first chapter God was not the center of my life. He was always there on the side—at least that’s how I liked to treat Him. But, now having understood more of who God is, I know that my previous understanding is incorrect. God was also at the center stage of my life in spite of my attempt to push Him aside.

The only difference between the first and the second chapter of my life is this: When God spoke to me before, I didn’t hear Him, but when He speaks to me now, I hear Him. When He guided my life before, I didn’t see Him, but when He guides my life now, I see Him. In either chapter, God is there and He guides because He loves.

Once I spoke to a mother who was so emotionally crushed upon finding out the problems her son was having. Suddenly the light of the future became so dim, promising nothing but darkness. In the conversation she asked me, “Why is God silent? Why is He not doing anything? I cannot hear Him and I don’t see Him.”

Romans 15:13 contains Paul’s prayer for the Church in Rome, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” We may not hear Him, we may not see Him, but it does not mean He is not there. He is. Joy, peace, and hope will only bud when there is trust!

Pastor Paul

In the first chapter God was not the center of my life. He was always there on the side—at least that’s how I liked to treat Him. But, now having understood more of who God is, I know that my previous understanding is incorrect. God was also at the center stage of my life in spite of my attempt to push Him aside.

The only difference between the first and the second chapter of my life is this: When God spoke to me before, I didn’t hear Him, but when He speaks to me now, I hear Him. When He guided my life before, I didn’t see Him, but when He guides my life now, I see Him. In either chapter, God is there and He guides because He loves.

Once I spoke to a mother who was so emotionally crushed upon finding out the problems her son was having. Suddenly the light of the future became so dim, promising nothing but darkness. In the conversation she asked me, “Why is God silent? Why is He not doing anything? I cannot hear Him and I don’t see Him.”

Romans 15:13 contains Paul’s prayer for the Church in Rome, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” We may not hear Him, we may not see Him, but it does not mean He is not there. He is. Joy, peace, and hope will only bud when there is trust!

Pastor Paul