A Leap Of Faith

Eversince, I want God to show me what to do with my life. I mean His will for my life. Since I went back to Bicol last March 2012, I am really seeking God for His plans for me. I tend to become frustrated whenever my plans didn't go my way. 

I really have the heart to work abroad, I mean just being practical. I have that desire, but I want it to be God's desire also for my life. It's a big bonus if it is really His will for me. Since then I dreamed of working in Western countries like Australia or Canada or even USA. My heart was so excited for those countries. But then I remember what Pastor Jun once told me, "Wag mo tulungan si God, kung Will Niya talaga sayo na makapunta ka ng Australia, eh makakapunta ka. Baka mafrustrate ka lang pag di nangyari. Let His will be done sa buhay mo." That's the thought of what Pastor Jun have said and I took it by heart. True enough. I've surrendered my plans on Him. I used to worry about my future but God always reminded me of His promise in Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." True, right?

When 2013 came, I had in mind that I will someday apply for a job abroad, but I didn't even thought that it would be this soon. One of my churchmates, once told me that he had visions about me, but it's unclear, so he didn't told me about it. What he said was like this: " if may opportunity na dumating sa'yo, just grab it, as for now I know what you are pertaining to." A week or two after he said to me those lines, an opportunity came for me to apply abroad. I got excited and I ready my resume. But then I realized one thing, is this the opportunity that he has said to me? I considered it as a YES. It's a blessing from God. But the hard part is the country is Middle East. I don't want to go there ever since. I'm afraid of all the chaos that's happening out there. Then God reminded me again of His promise in Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." What a relief. 

But then my heart was still not okay about the application, but I already took a leap of faith. So I asked God for people who will be with me in prayers. I challenged people and all glory to God they committed to be my prayer partners. Every time, they are updated of my application. Bit by bit, God's showing His provisions for me.

FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
At the time that I was applying, I am currently working as a job-order nurse in our local hospital in my hometown and I am earning a monthly allowance of 3,000-4,000. At first, I thought that my allowance would suffice the requirements that I need but I'm wrong. We have so many requirements but above all God provided all the needed money. Once I said to my prayer partners that I was saddened that I didn't get that week my allowance for June. But God is good,cause He has a purpose why He delayed that. I got my allowance on the first week of July and on that week we need to pay 2500php for redribbon and stamping of our COE. Blessings of God always strikes on time. Then I asked my prayer partners for a provision of 7000php (4k for my exam and 3k as my pocket money) as my money going to Manila. I will leave Manila by July 20 and on that 3rd week of July I still don't have that amount of money. My friend who is also my companion in applying abroad, always told me that she lacks still some amount of money. I just smiled at her and told her: "it's okay cause God will provide, I still don't have money on hand but I know God is faithful to give me that amount of money." You know what's amazing? On the 19th of July, my brother texted me that he already deposited 3k on my bank account. That's a great news, so I only need 4k. On the night on that same date my mother hand me the money, it's 5k. So I have 8k on hand. God gave me 1k bonus.

When I was already in Manila, I still needed more money for other requirements. I asked for an express rush of my PRC License ID. I needed money for medical exam,for the red ribbon of my PRC certificates and school documents, visa stamping, stamping of documents in the embassy, and 25k for the processing fee. You know what's really amazing, God never failed me or even delayed His provision. 

I even thought that if I were rich maybe I didn't have to bother about money. But no! God made my present situation to work for His glory. Indeed my financial provisions were met! 

WISDOM
Before we make it through, we should first pass the PROMETRICS, it's one of those online examinations for those who will work in Middle East. While I was still working in the hospital, I make sure that I divide my time for me to be able to review. I just praise God that even though I don't get much enough sleep every day, He make sure that I am still well fit for me to finish all the requirements that I need before going to Manila. 

July 22 is the date of our examination, I was really nervous that time cause it's a 70 item exam and I don't know what questions would pop-up. I just let God guide me while I was in front of the computer. When I reached the last item, I'm still thinking if I would end it already or not.When I decided to click the end button, my heart was racing for I don't know if I would see the word in my screen. When I saw the word PASSED on my screen my heart was overjoyed and I utter these words THANKS GOD. Another provision met.



And as I am waiting for our papers to be released by POEA, I never forget to thank those people who have been with me through prayers. Our visa is ready.

On September 20 we had our PDOS (Pre-departure Orientation Seminar) and yesterday September 26 we headed back to the agency because we will meet our employer. I thank God for the favor because our employer is kind and he is trusted by the agency for many years. Our flight should be today September 27, but then POEA just released our OEC yesterday so our reservations was cancelled. But then blessings of God is there, it was rescheduled by September 30, but they made another reservation to make our flight earlier. So our final flight date is on September 29 at 4pm. 

I am excited but then a little bit nervous because it's a closed country, a Muslim one, and a nation wherein chaos is present. But as I always pray, I still claim God's promise to me on Joshua 1:9 wherein He will always be with me wherever I go and I should never be afraid or discouraged. But then brethren I still want to ask you to please continue to pray for God's favor as I work abroad. Favor for the people that I will encounter, the culture changes, my adaptability and adjustment to their culture, good camaraderie with the Muslim people and Filipinos who are also working there, strength and endurance as I work abroad, strong faith and hope for me to keep going, and for me to be a blessing for the people I work with and to maximize what God has given me and be able to share my faith though the situation and the country that I am in is a Muslim country. I would really appreciate your prayers cause that would mean a lot to me. 

Thank you. Many would think that this is the end of the journey, but I say that we are just beginning. As I look forward for God's greater plan for my life and how He would gonna use me to be part of His wide ministry, I am excited. As my friend said to me, that I should always have an excited heart for God. Even though I would earn in small amount, I did not care, for I know that in time God would bless me with greater things. I would not complain. I will just obey. God also gave me a start to be part of a ministry. I don't know how to budget everything for I owe people money that I used for my application. But I know God will give me wisdom on proper handling of my salary and though l would earn little, I still praise God for He made a way on how I can support someone with His blessing. 

Again, shokran (thanks) for the prayers. May God bless you more. To God be all the glory for everything. Blessings!

I thank these people and I pray for greater things for you:

Crista Andrea Napay
Maricel Manayon-Opena
Cipriano Opena
Rodora Ibay
Joan Ibay
Cesar Lonceras
Jerson Baria
Francis Buenconsejo Balingbing
Patricia Lynne Alcid
Kristina Federez
Roland Christopher Buenaventura
Christopher Infornon Alvarez
Sarah Medina Gonzaga
Carlo Adriel Del Rio

MY LIFE'S TESTIMONY

A Father's love is greater than anyone else. Like our parents they know us more than any person that we share our life with. They love us no matter what wrong we have done  for them. All we need to do in order for us to be forgiven is ask for forgiveness and confess our mistakes. Our parents are willing to forgive us no matter what the cost is. Like our parents, God can do more of it than our parents can do for us. Remember how God gave his own own son in John 3:16 it says:

John 3:16

New International Version (NIV)

 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

God awaits us to call on Him..How about you? Are you one of God's child?If not what are you waiting for? Call unto God and let Him be your Savior and the Controller of your life. 

I will share you something, before when I am not still a Christian - a child of God, doing things I thought was right in this contemporary world  was way far different or let say wrong when you know what God really wants you to do. It is a life changing event when you truly accept God and when you have a personal relationship with Him. As a non-believer, I believe in the name of God and His son Jesus. Wouldn't you believe it or not, but I have lots of questions before in my faith that I am believing in. Not until when I was on my 2nd year in college that I have encountered the word of God. It was on October 2006  when I accepted God in my life. I wouldn't consider it as an accident but God's plan for my life. He knew what I am looking for, and He knew that He is the answer to all my life's questions. It happened one afternoon when I will  just pick up my friend Melody on their afternoon meet-up with their discipler, Ate Crista (who soon to become my discipler too) because we have a project to finish. When I am already there, Ate Crista was introduced to me and shared the word of God to me. From that day on my life was never the same. It became more exciting everyday as I seek for His will for my life. And on December 07, 2008 I was baptized. As I've known Jesus to be my sole Saviour of my life, I have dedicated my life to really look to His words and promises. Being obedient to His words was never easy but I tell you brethren it is all worth it. Once Jesus is in my life, there's no turning back. My commitment is that in simple ways I want to help expand God's kingdom. I have the heart ever since to support missionaries as much as I could and up to now I am continuously keeping that desire for I know that one day God will bless me so that I could also be a blessing. I would never barter my faith to anything that this world offers, I hope and pray that it would also be your commitment. There are lots of things that I could share to you on how God has been really faithful to my life. As  a CCC Alumni, I am blessed to see people who dedicated their lives to be volunteers or part-time or full time staff of Bicol CCC. I am excited for everyone of you as you continue your ministry and as God favors you every day with His provisions. You will always be in my prayers. May we all find God's glory in our lives more meaningful every day. This is all for God's glory alone, not ours. This is His story, not ours. May we enjoy our own journey with God.


This is something I want to share with you and I know all of you knows this very well. This is part of my blog. I just made some edit for my testimony. Just visit my blog kdescobido07.blogspot.com and be blessed.
Here is something that I will share to you, it was shared to me when I was in 2nd year college - the time that I accepted God in to take control of my life. From Campus Crusade for Christ - the Christian organization where I have been affiliated. Try to visit http://www.campuscrusade.com for more information on how you can develop your Christian life. 

NOW, BEFORE YOU GO OVER READING THIS, I WILL LEAVE YOU JUST ONE QUESTION: WILL YOU RESPOND TO BE GOD'S CHILD AND WILL YOU LET HIM BE YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR?

 Four Spiritual Laws

Just as there are physical laws that govern the physical universe, so are there spiritual laws that govern your relationship with God. God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life. God's Love "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16, NIV). God's Plan[Christ speaking] "I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly" [that it might be full and meaningful] (John 10:10). Why is it that most people are not experiencing that abundant life? Because... Man is sinful and separated from God. Therefore, he cannot know and experience God's love and plan for his life. Man is Sinful"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Man was created to have fellowship with God; but, because of his own stubborn self-will, he chose to go his own independent way and fellowship with God was broken. This self-will, characterized by an attitude of active rebellion or passive indifference, is an evidence of what the Bible calls sin. Man Is Separated"The wages of sin is death" [spiritual separation from God] (Romans 6:23). This diagram illustrates that God is holy and man is sinful. A great gulf separates the two. The arrows illustrate that man is continually trying to reach God and the abundant life through his own efforts, such as a good life, philosophy, or religion -but he inevitably fails. The third law explains the only way to bridge this gulf... Jesus Christ is God's only provision for man's sin. Through Him you can know and experience God's love and plan for your life. He Died In Our Place "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). He Rose from the Dead "Christ died for our sins... He was buried... He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures... He appeared to Peter, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred..." (1 Corinthians 15:3-6). He Is the Only Way to God "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father but through Me'" (John 14:6). This diagram illustrates that God has bridged the gulf that separates us from Him by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross in our place to pay the penalty for our sins. It is not enough just to know these three laws... We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God's love and plan for our lives. We Must Receive Christ"As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12). We Receive Christ Through Faith"By grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as result of works that no one should boast" (Ephesians 2:8,9). When We Receive Christ, We Experience a New Birth(Read John 3:1-8.) We Receive Christ Through Personal Invitation[Christ speaking] "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him" (Revelation 3:20). Receiving Christ involves turning to God from self (repentance) and trusting Christ to come into our lives to forgive our sins and to make us what He wants us to be. Just to agree intellectually that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died on the cross for our sins is not enough. Nor is it enough to have an emotional experience. We receive Jesus Christ by faith, as an act of the will. These two circles represent two kinds of lives: Self-Directed Life S-Self is on the throne -Christ is outside the life -Interests are directed by self, often resulting in discord and frustration Christ-Directed Life-Christ is in the life and on the throne S-Self is yielding to Christ, resulting in harmony with God's plan -Interests are directed by Christ, resulting in harmony with God's plan Which circle best represents your life? Which circle would you like to have represent your life? The following explains how you can receive Christ: You Can Receive Christ Right Now by Faith Through Prayer (Prayer is talking with God) God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. The following is a suggested prayer: Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be. Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If it does, I invite you to pray this prayer right now, and Christ will come into your life, as He promised. Now that you have received Christ  Now That You Have Received Christ How to Know That Christ Is in Your Life Did you receive Christ into your life by sincerely praying the suggested prayer? According to His promise in Revelation 3:20, where is Christ right now in relation to you? Christ said that He would come into your life. Would He mislead you? On what authority do you know that God has answered your prayer? (The trustworthiness of God Himself and His Word.) The Bible Promises Eternal Life "The witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:11-13). Thank God often that Christ is in your life and that He will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5).  You can know on the basis of His promise that Christ lives in you and that you have eternal life from the very moment you invite Him in. He will not deceive you. An important reminder... Do Not Depend on Feelings The promise of God's Word, the Bible - not our feelings - is our authority. The Christian lives by faith (trust) in the trustworthiness of God Himself and His Word. This train diagram illustrates the relationship among fact (God and His Word), faith (our trust in God and His Word), and feeling (the result of our faith and obedience) (John 14:21). The train will run with or without a caboose. However, it would be useless to attempt to pull the train by the caboose. In the same way, as Christians we do not depend on feelings or emotions, but we place our faith (trust) in the trustworthiness of God and the promises of His Word. Now That You Have Received Christ The moment that you received Christ by faith, as an act of the will, many things happened, including the following: Christ came into your life (Revelation 3:20 ; Colossians 1:27). Your sins were forgiven (Colossians 1:14). You became a child of God (John 1:12). You received eternal life (John 5:24). You began the great adventure for which God created you (John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17 ;  1 Thessalonians 5:18). Can you think of anything more wonderful that could happen to you than receiving Christ? Would you like to thank God in prayer right now for what He has done for you? By thanking God, you demonstrate your faith. To enjoy your new life to the fullest... Suggestions for Christian Growth Spiritual growth results from trusting Jesus Christ. "The righteous man shall live by faith" (Galatians 3:11). A life of faith will enable you to trust God increasingly with every detail of your life, and to practice the following: G        Go to God in prayer daily (John 15:7). R        Read God's Word daily (Acts 17:11); begin with the Gospel of John. O        Obey God moment by moment (John 14:21). W        Witness for Christ by your life and words (Matthew 4:19; John 15:8). T Trust God for every detail of your life (1 Peter 5:7). H        Holy Spirit - allow Him to control and empower your daily life and witness (Galatians 5:16,17; Acts 1:8). Fellowship in a Good Church God's Word instructs us not to forsake "the assembling of ourselves together" (Hebrews 10:25). Several logs burn brightly together; but put one aside on the cold hearth and the fire goes out. So it is with your relationship with other Christians. If you do not belong to a church, do not wait to be invited. Take the initiative; call the pastor of a nearby church where Christ is honored and His Word is preached. Start this week, and make plans to attend regularly.       Share your faith to others. Shalom!