Comfort Zone

Thank You and Farewell Note Turns Testimony

1 November 2009 Sunday

 

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. – Proverbs 19:21

 

Leaving one’s comfort zone is not an easy decision to make. But my Lord told me I should. And so I did…

 

I am not leaving because I harbor bitterness towards anyone. Nor is it because I need more blah, blah, blah. My stay was a delight and I stand witness that with my stay in this company, God’s grace is sufficient especially in times of weaknesses. [2 Corinthians 12:9] J There were trying times, but as I look back, I must say God was at work thru it all. So now I step-out in courage and see what God has yet in store for me. J

 

How could I forget? J The Long-hours, the tight deadlines, the pressure... I was always on the verge of blaming people each time I get tired, sleepless, and sick. But each time I was tempted, God’s quiet voice always said ‘No. Don’t.’ I wanted out, but gently, He kept reminding me ‘in My time, not yours’.

 

I did not know what else to do but take work one day at a time and more than that, to trust Him [only]. He proved to be faithful. J I have learned much and now, cherished much. J

 

Obedience was the key. He showed me what my real dreams were. He truly searched my heart and revealed the best plans He has for me. I knew point-blank that the professional world is a melting pot of pressures, tight deadlines, and high expectations; and this fact stands wherever place you choose to work. But the dreams that I have were not of rank, nor of position. My dream was to see the world and I knew that having a stable job would allow me that. J My long-term plan – if I stayed – was to take long vacation leaves. I have actually laid out a 2-year plan on traveling. J I planned to go for a Holy Land tour by next year (2010), then visiting my relatives in the States by 2011. But now, due to God’s plans [not mine], J these traveling plans will have to sit on a bookshelf for now. God has impressed in my heart to leave the stable job I have come to know and instead pursue the better [much better] plans He has for me. J

 

When God told me that I can scout for a new job, I was expecting I would find work abroad. I don’t really like living in Metro Manila. I was born and raised in Baguio which is a much simpler town; where the air and weather are fresh and breezy, culture is artistic, taxi drivers are honest, and walking is a preferred way of traveling rather than getting stuck in traffic. J I was raised in the lifestyle of quiet living surrounded by fog, pine trees, and serene mountain views. I, was raised a dreamer – country style. J And since I wanted to see the world and not end up spending most of my time in the capital city, I made sure that if Plan A will not materialized, then at least I have Plan B to rely on. Plan B meant living and working outside of my country, thus, still being able to see the world and travel. J

 

I shared this dream and plan with my disciple-r at church. One time she prayed for me and told me to read Acts 1. The whole chapter centered on waiting on God’s promised gift before leaving [Acts 1:4]. And so I wondered what was God up to this time and what exactly is the gift He wanted me to receive before leaving…

 

Later did it dawn on me that my heart was not right to see the world – at least not yet. J When I came up with plan A and B, I was thinking of what I want. I was thinking of my dreams. God did not exactly like the self-centered way I viewed my dreams. In the back of my mind, I also thought, that the opportunity to travel abroad will also give me the opportunity to share God’s love with my relatives. But God knew I was not yet ready for that opportunity, for in that matter, my heart was not yet made right before Him. God wanted me to stay and humble myself.

 

Working in a new firm means new challenges, new personalities, new work, and back-to-zero leave credits. J God lead me to a new firm not so I will face more difficulty. He also did not lead me to a new firm so He can ban me from traveling and bonding with my love ones in the other side of the world. My dream of seeing the world still holds true in my heart. But for now, I lay down this dream to unfold in His appointed and perfect time. J For now, God wants to bless me with new lessons to learn, less stressful travel time from house to office (vice-versa), J and most importantly a higher compensation which I can use to help and bless my family and relatives ‘here and now’. My God is blessing me so much and He wants me to do the same for my love ones. J

 

After telling the disciples to wait on God’s gift, Jesus continued to tell them that they would be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth [Acts 1:8]. I will still have to wait to go the ends of the earth J, but I know that I can already start being a witness of God’s love to the people who are a part of my life now.

 

God really does have a bigger and better view of things. I, on the other hand, only have a glimpse. But a glimpse is all I need to get thru one day at a time, one challenge at a time, and yes, one dream at a time. J He is in control and I will continuously hope and trust in Him. He holds my future and I can’t help but get more excited for what He has in store for me. J

 

Praise God! J

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