I was going to start this blog with something along the lines of
I’ve been back a little over two weeks and already I desperately need a holiday . . . .
In the typical British way of complaining about the circumstances we are in (for example when there’s no sun – it’s cold – when there is sun – it’s hot!) but then Eph 5:20 came to mind; to paraphrase give praise to God no matter what! Why you might ask? Well because he is in sovereign control of every circumstance!
The first few days back were rough, I seemed to find temptation at every turn and it hurt, failing and falling into sin can feel great for a minute, but then the realisation that those few minutes of sinful pleasure cost Jesus, our Lord, Saviour and Redeemer HIS LIFE and that we need to be covered by HIS BLOOD cut in and it’s time to cry out to Go in anguish and seek forgiveness. Thankfully God the Father is merciful and Jesus has covered the price for every one of our sins!
Problem: Due to the [insert misguided; delusional; aggressive] political protests in Bangkok which have seen transport bombed, police shot and a HOSPITAL INVADED Hong Kong Uni have decided not to send volunteers. This leaves me 43 teachers short in more than 25 schools and thousands of kids disappointed. Same day I was hoping for some money and it didn’t come. Queue feelings of anxiousness and frustration (normally) but praise God the night before I had been reading Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges, which actually deals with this. OK I’m not perfect and this was stress provoking for a couple of hours but hen I prayed and lifted it into God’s hands. RESULT? A few days later we’ve got a plan for about 10 volunteers to come out and teach at the most needy schools, some money has arrived and I’m happy painting away in classrooms. PRAISE GOD!
Problem: My new teacher training course is about to start and I don’t have confirmed students. The head teacher wants names and numbers and most students are awaiting other results. My 3 brightest students are all offered alternative places. I have just bought 10 computers at an investment of 170,000 Baht. As I slowly work down my list I begin to realise that things are not going well. Options: worry or pray for God’s sovereign hand to rule. Take PRAYER! Result: 12 students confirmed, 3 spare places for anyone who accepts late and I’m not stressed! PRAISE GOD!
Problem: School curriculum. We had a meeting in January to decide the curriculum. Most NGO’s and foreign *experts* strongly advise against doing GED. Head teacher wants to do GED. I argue against it. Loose. Option: Teach something that for 5 months I’ve said I won’t or leave? Then I read the Bible and remember that Jesus was a servant. He submitted to the Father’s will. If you want to be a disciple of Jesus then you are to serve, not push to be first (paraphrased from Matthew 20 and 21). PRAISE GOD FOR TRANSFORMING MY STUBBORN WILL AND DESIRES INTO A DESIRE TO SERVE NO MATTER WHAT!
Problem: Whilst painting a Canadian guy comments on the instability of the rickety table I was standing on. I laugh and shrug it off as irrelevant as I’m in Thailand. One hour later it falls; I fall and the paint falls. RESULT? I’m hurt and literally on my knees in pain (I’m still bruised over a week later!) My hair is a lovely shade of green and I have to walk past dozens of people to take a quick shower. PRAISE GOD I LEARNT A LITTLE HUMBLENESS!
This is just a snap shot of some of the problems I’ve faced in the last couple of weeks since coming back. I’ve left out the entrance exam for Grade XI, marking papers till 3am and writing Bible verses on my wall at 1am to remind me of God’s promises. I’ve also left out God’s amazing faithfulness in bringing me back into a loving home church (that I had thought was cancelled) and the way I can see him working in people’s lives; more of that next time if I get some free time!
Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
