Beauty from Ashes

Psalm 96:3-4

Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.

Who would have thought that my next assignment is to teach in Thailand and Cambodia! Yes, He allowed me to go out. It was my first time to travel to other countries. In two weeks God let me behold His name outside my country, outside my world and outside my contented comfort zone. I was able to see a glimpse of His global perspective. And to experience Him being the Lord of nations was very humbling and breathtaking. I can only bow down as His glory shines around me from this trip. He is great and greatly to be praised!

The first couple of days in Thailand were a heart molding experience. God exposed the pride and insecurities I still have in my heart. I couldn’t count how many times I cried while being stretched and molded by our Father. It was so hard for me but God was gentle. Thank God for surrounding me with people who could encourage me and could join me in lifting up my concerns to God.

The participants in Thailand were from hill tribes – people who are discriminated and considered low in their society. We thought they could not receive the lessons because they were uneducated. As our translator told us our teaching is beyond their capabilities. We asked him if they understood the lessons. He told us that he was surprised that they were able to make purpose statements and goals. During the worship time in the last day of our training, God gave me a thought. I asked how much beauty God can bring for ashes. These hill tribes’ people consider themselves like ashes or as low people in their country. But how much beauty God can bring to these group of people as they have attended and received the training. Hearing from their testimonies about the training, I know God will use them mightily in the field God will place them.

It was surprising that that thought was not only meant for the hill tribes but also meant for me. Because the thought that God made me for something very large is not easy for me to believe. I can only see myself as the most ordinary of the ordinaries. But I should not focus myself on being an ash or on being ordinary rather focus on the One who gives beauty in it. God has sent me to Thailand to witness the beauty of His glorious greatness. And I will behold His name from the heart He has given me. This is what I was made for.

Next stop was Cambodia. We had 53 participants there. They have good hearts willing to be used by God for Cambodia. Seeing the participants, I was confident and expectant that God would make great things happen in the training. My heart beat very fast seeing 53 pairs of eyes looking at me, listening to what I would have to say. But God gave me boldness and confidence to teach. God showed me what He could do and accomplish if I would just let Him have His way in my life. It’s amazing how He’s using me. He again ignited the passion He placed in my heart to meet the needs of the young people with the life He has given me.

“Lord, look at what you’ve done in my life, I will never be the same again… Take pleasure at the work of Your hands as I take pleasure in Your glory! Help me not to be disqualified from the work you’ve entrusted to me.”