When my sister left a high-paying government job after 14 years, many people were surprised. I believe God led her to the job (a long story), used it to train and equip her (another long story), and called her away from it (yet another lengthy tale). In fact, she had to leave her work with no new job in place. There wasn’t time to ponder, because she had loads of projects to finish and hand over. Yet, by God’s grace, she didn’t fret. She was fully convinced that God her Shepherd would provide for her (Psalm 23:1).
During her first few weeks as an unemployed person, she enjoyed some much-needed rest—sleeping, reading, and exercising. God began renewing her strength (Psalm 23:3).
Then He opened the door for her to start her own forensics lab in Singapore! She couldn’t have foreseen that this would be possible, for setting up a lab requires huge capital investment and she had neither the money nor knowledge of any financial backers.
But with God, “everything is possible” (Matthew 19:26). And one day, through a casual conversation with a friend, she discovered that there was a lab available at an academic institution. The school had already inquired into possible collaboration. So, through God’s divine providence, she and her business partners rented the lab at a special rate and—to their amazement—the institution also allowed them to use their equipment!
While God may not always provide in such spectacular or immediate ways, He continues to work out His perfect plans in our lives. Just as the psalmist David and my sister Poh Ling have discovered, the good and merciful Shepherd is with you, and His unfailing love will provide for you “all the days of [your] life” (Psalm 23:6).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Psalm 103:1-22
More:
Read John 10:11-16 and consider what Jesus does as our Good Shepherd.
Next:
What does it mean for you to know that Jesus is your Shepherd? Why is it vital for you to bring your fears and questions to Him today?
Gary Shultz on May 16, 2016 at 6:30 am
Poh Fang, interesting stuff. I have been different shades of a Christian since I was a boy. I was a bad boy at times, but never lost the sight that I was His, possibly He was not always what I had in mind. I would usually come to my senses and maintain the expected Christian thing. As I got older I began to invest in Bible reading and study; I still had way to much baggage and habits that were not able to align with holy living; however I kept coming back. I was very confused in many decisions when I tried to listen to open doors and go places I though would be correct. After several disastrous adventures, I started to discovered I was using the wrong strategy. I was looking for God to bless my direction and desires not the other way around. I find myself very hesitant at times to launch out because I don’t trust myself. I don’t ask for signs, just for very clear direction. I have scrambled that pure clear voice, I don’t doubt God I doubt me. I admire those like your sister who have not muted God’s clear direction and can step out. I now enjoy a wonderful relationship with God, but fear I have lost a great deal of life in the process. I’m not whining because I’m a moving forward kind of guy, I guess now I know much better paths. Thanks Poh Fang
Tom Felten on May 16, 2016 at 9:50 am
This resonates, Gary. I too have been prone to rush forward at times. It’s so vital that wait for God’s clear direction!
jim spillane on May 16, 2016 at 11:44 am
Gary – your comments at this forum so often remind me that you and I seem to be “kindred spirits.” In regards to today’s comment, we both seem to have a misplaced trust at times. But we should always remember that humility is the key for being useful in God’s kingdom here on earth. Pride deceives us into thinking that we can do God’s work without God’s power. Remember Paul’s proclamation, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” On another point, I’m of the opinion that you have not “lost a great deal of life in the process” because it was all a process by which you finally found and have chosen “the right path,” my brother in Christ.
Poh Fang Chia on May 16, 2016 at 8:28 pm
Isn’t it wonderful to know that God is our shepherd—and that He is a good shepherd. He knows we are like sheep—easily lost. And He would lead us, guide us, protect us, and provide for us. And by the way, my sister, like us, has made missteps too. 🙂
gagirllive on May 16, 2016 at 8:31 am
Great story about your sister, Poh Fang. It’s nice to be able to look back and connect the dots in our life and seeing how and where the Shepherd has been leading. Her story is a great example of guidance and trust. Sometimes it doesn’t make much sense and the outcome isn’t as beautifully packaged as in your sister’s case, but as a sheep of His fold, I trust the Shepherd all the way. The thing I try to cling to most is the “for thou art with me” part. (I memorized it in the KJV as a child.) Come what may, I know the Shepherd will never leave this dumb and defenseless sheep. His rod and His staff are a great comfort to me, especially in this world of increasing conflict and chaos. Truly goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life because He has always been there for me. I’m on a road trip right now and you’ve reminded me, Poh Fang, to not let the familiarity of Psalm 23 keep me from seeing its reality in my life everyday. This hymn comes to mind as I ponder this psalm: “He leadeth me, He leadeth me…by His own hand He leadeth me…His faithful follower I will be…for by His hand He leadeth me.” Appreciate this today, Poh Fang. Blessings to all!
Tom Felten on May 16, 2016 at 9:52 am
Beautifully put, gagirl. I’m also one of those “dumb and defenseless” sheep. So grateful that God goes before us and uses us in our weakness!
Poh Fang Chia on May 16, 2016 at 8:30 pm
Amen!
godlove on May 16, 2016 at 9:40 am
The word is “trust” isn’t it? In times of doubt concerning the future, particularly when I have a difficult and/or critical decision to make, I always ask myself: Do I trust God to lead me all the way or do I let my fears of failure paralyse me. I’m the sort of person who is usually scared of taking the wrong decision, so I’m always compelled to turn to God for guidance. And I have peace of my mind when I rest on His counsel because I know God never fails and His way is always the best for me. Thank you for sharing the testimony of God’s provision in your sister’s life, Poh Fang. By the way, I hope Poh Ling gave you the permission to use her name here, in which case, thank her too for allowing you to enlighten us with her story.
Tom Felten on May 16, 2016 at 9:54 am
Amen, godlove. What you wrote about your experience resonates with me own. I’m reminded of what Paul wrote, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Poh Fang Chia on May 16, 2016 at 8:48 pm
I, too, have struggled with paralysis of decision due to fear of failure. And God has always been faithful one to help me to trust and obey Him.
And yup, Poh Ling gave me her permission. Will convey your thanks to her. : )
Tom Felten on May 16, 2016 at 9:48 am
Poh Fang, how God works out His plans continues to amaze me. I remember one time praying for the young people in a particular region—wanting so much for them to hear the Good News. This went on for months, and I wasn’t sure what God wanted me to do in ministering to them. One day, a representative from a ministry called me and told me that they wanted to order 100,000 copies of an evangelistic resource featuring sports personalities that I had helped develop. They said that they were going to be getting the resource into the hands of each young person in—you guessed it—the region I had been praying for! What an amazing God . . .