Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Shut Up or Shout Out?

Nehemiah 2:12
I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on.

I had the task last weekend to organize Windsong’s training seminar for Metro Cebu. Two days before the event, we were still short of seventy one registrants and the equivalent fees.  My heart was racing at every thought of the teachers’ housing, lovegifts, and gastronomical needs. I considered a handful of options but somehow nothing seemed to fit. Nearing desperation, I was ready for a shout-out. A ‘help me, anyone?’ And I did. To Him who best could. And the verse above were His words to me.

Nehemiah told NO ONE what God had put in his heart. He arrived in Jerusalem three days already and he still hasn’t made himself known to everyone. Very opposite from our political figures who instagram their every provincial visit and brag about their golden eggs even before the chickens meet. Nehemiah’s discreetness was evident in the descriptions ‘he set out during the night’, brought with him ‘a few others’, ‘told no one’ and had ‘only the donkey he was riding on’. He purposefully allowed no one to distract and discourage God’s will through him. I imagine his conversations with God as he inspected every crack and rubble: ‘Lord, will the resources suffice?’ ‘Will the people of Judah’s support this?’ ‘Can I really lead this humongous task?’. His fears were real. But greater was his faith. Not even that did he broadcast. Not until the appropriate time.

And so I sat in my corner resolved to shut my mouth. To those who know me, that’s an effort. But His word was clear. I promised God I will step aside and allow Him to do the talking.  He will move people’s hearts to Himself and for His glory. What He had put in my heart to do was to continue the preps. I did. I’m glad I did. For exactly the same day, I received a text from my pastor approving the check for the sponsored meals I requested, even doubling the amount! That afternoon too, we receive an email from Manila asking for our bank account and the amount was enough to cover the lodging and the remaining meals. And although the Walk-In registrants did not reach the target number, it was the amount we need to bless our teachers with lovegifts. And all I did was to zip my mouth! Guess I should do that more often : ) But not for praise. Not today. For today's the time to shout-out-loud: PRAISE GOD!

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1 comment:

  1. RoyLynJeielJune 6, 2013 at 5:51 PM

    Effort yun, shee. But even that effort was from the Lord. Like shutting the lion's mouth in the lion's den? hahaha. Am so happy to see your obedient heart. And God proved Himself faithful once again. He rewards your faith and obedience. Galing ni God, 'no!

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Shut Up or Shout Out?

Nehemiah 2:12
I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on.

I had the task last weekend to organize Windsong’s training seminar for Metro Cebu. Two days before the event, we were still short of seventy one registrants and the equivalent fees.  My heart was racing at every thought of the teachers’ housing, lovegifts, and gastronomical needs. I considered a handful of options but somehow nothing seemed to fit. Nearing desperation, I was ready for a shout-out. A ‘help me, anyone?’ And I did. To Him who best could. And the verse above were His words to me.

Nehemiah told NO ONE what God had put in his heart. He arrived in Jerusalem three days already and he still hasn’t made himself known to everyone. Very opposite from our political figures who instagram their every provincial visit and brag about their golden eggs even before the chickens meet. Nehemiah’s discreetness was evident in the descriptions ‘he set out during the night’, brought with him ‘a few others’, ‘told no one’ and had ‘only the donkey he was riding on’. He purposefully allowed no one to distract and discourage God’s will through him. I imagine his conversations with God as he inspected every crack and rubble: ‘Lord, will the resources suffice?’ ‘Will the people of Judah’s support this?’ ‘Can I really lead this humongous task?’. His fears were real. But greater was his faith. Not even that did he broadcast. Not until the appropriate time.

And so I sat in my corner resolved to shut my mouth. To those who know me, that’s an effort. But His word was clear. I promised God I will step aside and allow Him to do the talking.  He will move people’s hearts to Himself and for His glory. What He had put in my heart to do was to continue the preps. I did. I’m glad I did. For exactly the same day, I received a text from my pastor approving the check for the sponsored meals I requested, even doubling the amount! That afternoon too, we receive an email from Manila asking for our bank account and the amount was enough to cover the lodging and the remaining meals. And although the Walk-In registrants did not reach the target number, it was the amount we need to bless our teachers with lovegifts. And all I did was to zip my mouth! Guess I should do that more often : ) But not for praise. Not today. For today's the time to shout-out-loud: PRAISE GOD!