"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a littler; I will set you over much. Enter in to the joy of your master." (Matt 25:21, Parable of the Talents)
2016 started with God impressing in my heart about good stewardship of His blessings through the passage above in Matthew. This was our first devotional with my disciple and I even made a challenge for both of us that by the end of the year we will account what we have done with the treasures God entrusts us this year - which by the way we weren't able to do (fail!). I do felt bad with how I battled 2016 without goals, it was like I just continued a new day or month. Back then, I was so overwhelmed with God's movement in my life that I am ashamed of even asking. Looking back, I realized how important it is to set goals or account God's provisions, so you see His faithfulness all throughout and grow a grateful heart.
Little did I know God definitely entrusted me with SO MANY THINGS in 2016 - spiritually, material, recognition, relationships and even trials. Here's a quick round-up of it all:
Spiritually
Lead discipleship group, meeting weekly, with 5 members. Serve the Marketing ministry cluster that I am 100% joyful serving in. Volunteered as a facilitator in a retreat. Facilitate a workplace ministry, called Wednesday Crew, meeting weekly with an average of 8 regular attendees. Shared my testimony twice in my ministry and local church. Found my purpose of discipling and witnessing to people seeking for Him.
- Everything is a PRIVILEGE to take part in building His kingdom on earth. I hope to be exhausted more doing these things.
Materially
Purchased a personal car, Wimby, that allowed me to "pay-it-backward" as I remember those times I badly needed one, gave me great convenience, and it became my "war room" as I pour my heart to God in the middle of daily traffic. A new house with my family, not too fancy, but just enough for us and marks a new life and hope for us. Travel opportunities specifically in Taiwan that enriched my love for God's creation.
- Yes, these materials things are fleeting but how it is being utilized is what gives its value.
Recognition
Company performance awards for the quarter and year. Represented my company in the Mabuhay Awards - a nationwide recognition platform in the hospitality industry.
- Gave me a new perspective on honor and made me fix my eyes on the Giver of the blessings.
Relationships
Sisters in the discipleship group upline and downline. New found friends in the church and workplace ministry. Better relationship with my mom.
- I felt God's love everyday because of these people, and as I've been called to love my neighbor, I look forward to growing the list people I love genuinely.
Trials
Quarter-life crisis is on a confused long-term plan of where I see myself 5, 10 years from now. My biggest struggle, patience, was tested a lot - if not, everyday. Felt disconnected a few times due to my poor quiet time. Family feud and their resistance to share the same faith as mine. Exhaustion at work. Temptations that stepped on my convictions.
- Finding joy in these times were definitely difficult, but with Jesus in me and how He used people around me, I got back on my feet and faith.
People around me would always tell me how blessed I am - like I knew it already. Their assumptions are because I am prayerful, kind-hearted, and I serve God. This would go to my head but my heart tells me otherwise. Truth be told: It wasn't because of what I did, doing or will do but it was all because of God. I am sure to say that all the things - tangible or not, were because of God's goodness and faithfulness even to me who fail at times (Matt 5:45). That's what some may not understand when I say "it's all Him." But His great plans are simply happening in my life as a revelation of His glory. My obedience may result to evident blessings, but what few may know that I stepped on a lot of pitfalls. I stumbled here and there, and it's not because God isn't good of course. Those are blessings too as it stretched my faith so I can continue on the race with more endurance (James 1:2). Then again, to show His power and glorious deity.
Like any other year that passed, great memories are kept safely in my pocket, easily accessible if needed this new year. I am greatly blessed, but beyond than that, I am loved deeply. *tears*
From my learning in 2016, I am excited to share my goals for 2017 which will be posted after the prayer and fasting week starting tomorrow. I want to align those with my Creator first.
Lastly, to you who has been reading my blog posts, thank you for taking time or the interest at least to take a closer glimpse of my life. I am not hoping that you religiously read or comment, but if it tugs your heart then that's all that matters me. For you to know that there is me - who is going through the same thing as you, proving you are pretty normal and also loved deeply by a great God.
All from and for Him.
