Not Time Bound

I love meeting with my small group (VCF). I've been seeing them for the last 3 years now. This is already my fourth group since 2003. Yes, it takes me a while to find the right fit in almost everything: shoes, clothes, work, partner, and small groups (and leaders) are not an exception. This group has actually evolved from having just a few people in it, growing to around 10, then seeing some 6 or 7 fade away and be replaced by another 10 or more. If you're a Christian, you would know what I mean. I had been the fade away of other groups but I do not plan to be another in this one.

Just last night, we had a meeting like we always do on Wednesdays. I have not attended for a few weeks and already feel like a stranger with several new people in the circle who happen to know each other already. This set is just awesome. So many smart, devoted people, who were just so on fire for God. I sometimes feel insecure when I'm surrounded with such individuals. But this time I reminded myself that this is really what I need now, people who know better than I do. Thank you, God. 

Before going to the meeting I've been hearing so many sad stories. Some, so horrible, I don't want to even listen. I remember someone telling me that the suicide rate is most high when it's closest to Christmas. You'd think people are happiest at this time, with all the mall sales, decors, festivities and just the constant playing of songs everywhere you go. Apparently to some people those things actually depress and not uplift. Will talk about that in another blog. Well, last night our topic was part of the series entitled Unlimited. We discussed about God's promises and that His blessings are unlimited. It was just perfect timing and I feel so blessed to have been there and at last Sunday's service.

I was actually looking for some words of wisdom some days before. I've been talking to people who seem to be so down lately. I actually normally would know what to say. I'm used to being a sounding board and I'm always just happy to help. Lately though, my advices seem to lack wisdom thus, are not very helpful at all. I know why they are and again this would be another good topic for a blog. I myself am going through some things as well and I really need the lift too. I reflected on the problems my friends are going through. I soon arrived at the conclusion that waiting patiently has been something this generation is not very good at. I would certainly not exclude myself. In fact, I am very guilty of this. This generations is composed of humans who...can't even wait in line for an hour and not say a word; cannot be in traffic for thirty minutes and not post a status referring to how bad the traffic is; would often call instead of text. 

Yes folks, we are the impatient generation. Let's just all admit it please. But if you can't patiently wait for your turn then how can you wait for God's promises to be fulfilled in your life? It doesn't happen so quickly for everyone. If you look at the bible, it took 40 years for the Israelites to get to their promised land.  And that's millions of them waiting (and suffering). For some, it took only around 5 years from graduation until they got their dream...house, car, life. And yet for most, it's getting to be more difficult and so you hear the rants. They say with our economy nowadays it's really trickier to make it big (see my husband's blog on details about this: phillipinecapital.com). Don't get me wrong, I rant too. Oh! I do so very often. But I usually wake up the next morning inspired still. Thanks to my God who gives me the hope, the faith and the will to keep on. His grace overflows! I know the full promise will happen and it's just a matter of time. I say "full" because part of it has already been revealed. And really, who cares about time when you know you have eternity as the child of God. 

Here are some inspirations from the meeting with my small group:

Hebrews 10:22-34

New International Version (NIV)

²² let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings,having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Psalm 23

New International Version (NIV)

A psalm of David.

¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

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