3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Romans 5:3-7
This past season of life for me has been one of the most trying of times. Through it all, I rejoice, because I know that God is developing endurance in me. You normally don’t want to endure anything. The word endurance is usually correlated with suffering and trials. Yet, its only through suffering that we can develop character. I’m learning more and more that character doesn’t come over night. It’s built over time. I don’t know why I’m facing the challenges I have been facing, but I do know one thing I need Jesus more than ever at this moment.
I've been able to spend some good time with Pastor Philip (my spiritual big bro) and his family these past few days. He is one of the greatest blessings in my life. A man who truly loves God, his wife and his family. He has taught me so much and I never cease to learn from his life wisdom. Thanks for being an incredible inspiration and teaching me in this season "to build my life and not the ministry" dat is da TRUTH!
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Part of the reason I have been posting this series of blogs on “Romance & Relationships” from my friend Becky is because her posts really helped me in gaining right perspective on God’s purpose in relationships in general. For most of my life, I came from a Christian charismatic tradition that believed in “the one”. Although, this idea is a good notion, I believe it can be dangerous if not understood in the right context. It’s not that I don’t believe in the one, but I believe God is a God of LOVE and relationships are about love, not obligation. God does not obligate us to love Him, so why do we think He would obligate us to love someone else? Love is a choice, an act of the will, a personal decision that requires choosing to love someone not because you have to, but because you want to. I choose to love God. In the same way, God is a good Father who will in His sovereign love suggest someone to us that would be a great match, but ultimately it is our choice to respond in love to that person.
Emmanuel Chia Ai Lim
(13 Oct 2007- 17 Sept 2008)
Love Never Fails
I Cor. 13:8
On Sep 16, 2008, she developed a fever and was rushed to a private specialist hospital in Yangon. The Australian and UK trained Pediatric Consultant, recommended baby Emma to be immediately admitted to Yangon Children Hospital ICU for 24 hours monitoring as Emma has been diagnosed with severe pneumonia. Comprehensive treatments were given to Emma in that ICU but she didn’t respond to the treatment positively.
In less than 24 hours, Emmanuel Lim (baby Emma) finished her race in Myanmar and went home to be with Jesus.
Many in different nations grieve over the lost of baby Emma’s presence with them but her legacy in the grace of God will continue to shine brightly.
During her short and meaningful life, her inspirational story has also inspired the founding of Emmanuel Charity Fund Ltd. in Hong Kong and Emmanuel Foundation Inc. in U.S.A.
Emmanuel travelled to many nations with her parents and her brother Samuel Lim from June 24, 2008 until September 17, 2008.
I am continuing on the blog series “Romance & Relationships” from my friend Becky’s blog. I take no claim to fame with the below nuggets of wisdom on how to approach a romantic relationship in a godly way. These nuggets below are pure gold, so take them to heart and put them into action. As a word of encouragement if you have messed up in your relationships in the past, remember that God’s mercies are new every morning. Learn from your mistakes, ask God for a pure heart and seek to do what is honorable and right.
The below post from Becky has helped me think through the necessity of “confrontation” in relationships. If you are a guy or girl pursuing another I pray that you would find the courage to be honest, truthful and clear with your intentions with the opposite sex. Don’t play with hearts, it only leads to unnecessary pain. Be mature and think about the others heart, before you think about yours. Love is selfless, not selfish. All the best!
1) A free (honest/truthful/pure) motivation is the key
2) Confrontation is necessary and God given
3) It’s God’s hand & our heart
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