Two weeks ago, Sunday afternoon, and I was at school. The whole day I was anxious...I couldnt contain all the worries that eating me up that day. I was present but my mind was somewhere. It crossed my mind not to attend my last subject, but I brushed it off immediately as I was reminded by myself that I quit my job not to miss my class. So guilt crawled in...and so I went inside the room, wishing at the back of my mind for an earlier dismissal so I could go to church.
My Sunday class was supposed to end at 7pm...but it was only quarter to 5pm when my professor adjourned it. Too early!!!
Smiled flashed on my face! "Yes! I could go to church!".
I hurried myself to catch the 5pm christian service and took the cab all the way to Makati, Church of God.
When I got there, the place was no longer occupied by the Church of God fellowship. The new occupant informed us that the fellowship has moved to a new place.
In my eagerness to hear service, I asked the cab driver to help me search the new place.
And so we asked around. When I was about to give up...I told "manong"driver to just take me to Greenbelt church if we still couldnt find the new place of Church of God. But "manong" was so persistent and positive that we could find it. When he was about to turn right towards the parking area of an office building, I told him it couldnt be there because that's an offfice establishment. He stopped for a while and called the security to verify.
There was no signage or anything that could tell me at purview. But the security guard, who was at that time engage in a cellphone convo, hand-signed us to go straight ahead.
Yes! We found it----I told myself and I couldnt even believe it!
The place is so hidden that makes it special that you're able to find it.
At the door, I asked a lady if that's the Church of God. She told me, " It's a Community of praise fellowship".
Oh no! ----yes I went to a different fellowship. Not the church of God,which I was trying to find at that time.
But because I had this urge to feed my soul with words of God, I nevertheless, went inside.
It was a small group compared to the previous Christian fellowship I had the occasion to attend to. So when I got inside, I was easily noticed by the people. I took the third row and seated beside an old lady. I took my first gut and brushed my shyness away.
It was already in the preaching session when I arrived.
It was so cleared to me ....that I was there because God wanted me to hear the preaching. I guess that's the message He wanted to tell me...
Let me share some vivid preaching I was able to absorb;
"You are precious and your life matters to God."
"Operate in His resources" (He will provide, do not be afraid to ask...even the impossible)
"He will mess your plan but He will never mess your life"
"God is likened to a retainer, that no matter how crooked your life is if God is there...He can turn it straight.."
I was close to crying...these are the words I know I needed to hear that time.
When the pastor called those who wanted to be prayed...I had the urge to come in front. But since I was just new in the group, I was hesitant. But the pastor was very persistent in asking because according to him he felt that there's someone who wanted and needed the prayer that time.
Few more ask from the pastor...few more wish there would be someone who'd take the first step so I could follow.
When I saw a lady coming in front...I took the guts and went there as well. That time that's what I really needed.
Upto now Im still so proud I took the courage.
Pastor come over and put his hand on top of my head. I closed my eyes...and he started to pray.
I couldnt contain the emotions that wanted to burst out from my inside....
and so I let out fountain of tears.
At that time I felt that God was talking to me through the Pastor...I felt God consoling me...and assuring me that I'm never alone.
God has His plans and visions for me....and I was reminded that moment.
I was crying because in my mind, I know I became oblivious about it again. I have been through some rocky and crooked roads...I had asked and bargained second chance to God, He gave it to me....but I have forgotten to value that again.
I was crying because I felt God's love...that He took the effort to remind me....to save me again....and to give me another chance.
Our God is a God that never get tired. He never given up on me...on us.
I went home with new friends....
I went home with a refreshed soul...with a new Spirit....and revised Hope.
There was no Accident...I was there because God wanted me to be there....
I was there because God knows that's the best way to save my soul...
That He wanted to remind me how beautiful my life is...how promising His plans for me....and how abundant my blessings are.
...and most importantly That I am Loved by Him.
Good is so good.
