Let God's will be done

Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord” Psalm 90 also is a good reading. Maybe 5 or 6 years ago when I retired from teaching I was contemplating of retiring and living in the Philippines because I envisioned that there would be many opportunities for me to share the gospel. Another thought came to my mind, 'just to feel what farming' was all about after more than 50 years being absent from ploughing the field and planting rice and corn and other crops. I liked to go back to farming but when I went to the farm and saw how hard it is to farm I could hardly imagine myself to do that kind of work again. Most of my life in Australia has been engaged in the area of teaching. But then I said to myself, I will have a good time, I would have a good tan and experience a good daily exercise while I was progressing in my age.

During that time my mind thinking of the challenges and issues that I would need to face if I moved back there to live. Firstly, my wife and I would miss our children and grandchildren especially because we wanted to see them grow up. Secondly, another setback would be medical reasons; should Annie and I get sick we would be forced to go back to Australia to get treatment because in the Philippines it is difficult to be attended by a specialist for any operation without a down payment and it is very costly. There were cases I heard that women had to give a down payment before they could have a caesarean operation, while in Australia in the public hospital it is free. You can also get a specialist of your own if you have private medical insurance cover. My brother died in the hospital and I am sure one of the factors was, it was too late to receive medical attention, and money was the issue. Don’t get me wrong, there are very good doctors in the Philippines, but to access them for the below average Filipinos will be a financial challenge. Thirdly, I did not move to the Philippines because of some uncertainties. As most of you are aware I came from Mindanao. A land of promise with many challenges. Fourthly, I was also thinking of our church, Multicultural Christian Fellowship. I was thinking that the Lord brought me to Darwin not only to teach in a Christian School but also help establish a church, MCF. I am thankful for the people who have faithfully served our church and I would find it difficult not to have fellowship with them for a few years.

These issues have been floating in my mind. My mind was like a boat in the middle of the ocean without a compass or any direction. But God is so wonderful. When you commit your concerns to Him as He promised in 1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you.” Philippians 4:6,7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

The Lord just gave us peace and I am confident that it is still God’s will that we should be here in Australia. Sometimes there is this battle in our mind and we evaluate the pro’s and con’s but if we surrender it to the Lord, the issues at hand, He gives you peace and a clear direction. As long as you continue to trust and obey Him and your motive is pure. God reads our motives and if it is according to His will He gives us His blessing. By grace my heart echoes with praise, “The steps of a good man (and woman) are ordered by the Lord. We are not “good” within ourselves, but only because of the righteousness of Christ imputed to us or given to us. The Apostle Paul said, 1 Corinthians 15:10 “By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace towards me was not in vain….” So as I flash back and fast forward, I am certain that every moment, I am resting in His everlasting arms. His grace is so awesome and it is my prayer that you too will live in the power of His grace. All by grace and by grace alone.