Photo: Pexels
Photo: Pexels

A Higher Gift

Anchored in Jesus’ sovereign care, we can have the assurance that our future is in Him.

Christian Growth March 27, 2017

We have the tendency to get frustrated when things don’t happen the way we expect. We may work hard to get the job, mend a relationship or earn a position of authority, but not all our dreams and aspirations lead to the outcomes we desire.

A few months ago, I was looking for a new position. I considered a job in my institution’s Community Services Department, but I recommended another woman because I knew she was very interested, and she got the job. Two days later, the Department for Advancement asked me to consider working for them, but I referred the assignment to someone who would be a better fit.

I applied for a third position, outside of my institution, and got the job after a thorough hiring process.

As I was preparing to take the job, however, it became clear that another worker needed two more years of service in order to receive her retirement benefits, so I gave way for a third time. My resources were draining, though, and I needed a job, too.

I was worried and saddened as I passed on each opportunity to others whom I considered deserving and in dire need. Had I lost all the possibilities that God had opened? Who would offer an opportunity for me? When and where? Loaded with questions and anxieties, I did not realize that God was speaking to me.

Psalm 111:10 gives us insight into the concept of biblical understanding, stating, “All who follow God’s precepts gain a good understanding.” As I waited for His leading to put me right where I should be, I sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In John 14:16, Jesus promised Paul, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.” I held on to this promise.

Then, my husband brought me to Hong Kong, and I got one more interview, this one with one of the Heads of an Seventh-Day Adventist institution. I got the job, and not only did the Holy Spirit lead me to a position that was a mission for me, but there was a tremendous additional blessing because my son was awarded a full scholarship for as long as I worked in that position.

When we have struggles and concerns, we need to humble ourselves to His Sovereign control. Our lives need to reflect the assurance of the Psalmist in Psalms 37:23-25: “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”

Rather than fret over trials and unpleasant situations, seek for the Holy Spirit. God will help us attain our dreams and desires if we acknowledge our need for Him, keep our focus on the path He prepares before us and willingly follow wherever He leads. Anchored in Jesus’ sovereign care, we can have the assurance that our future is in Him.


Note: Article written and posted in English

Author

Tess Belarmino

Teresita, MAED, Ed. D. candidate, and TEFL/TESOL certified teacher, is an English instructor at the Adventist University of the Philippines. She has been an English teacher for 12 years, and has also served as a Language Center Coordinator, Spanish teacher, resource speaker, professional development coordinator, Sabbath School teacher and community extension worker.

    17 comments

  • | March 27, 2017 at 6:40 pm

    What a moving story…inspring and so touching.

  • | March 28, 2017 at 11:16 am

    Praising, glorifying, and honoring the Lord as David did has proven to be a great blessing even in extremely difficult circumstances. Psalm 35 has been a source of strength and encouragement.
    ” My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long”. Psalm 35:28
    When you give God control, He will give you ways to serve. Praise the Lord for your inspiring experience… Indeed the Lord will open ways if we trust and remain faithful to Him.

  • | March 29, 2017 at 2:12 am

    Very inspiring! Truly, the Lord will continue to bless those who are willing to obey & serve Him with all their hearts!

  • | March 31, 2017 at 10:16 pm

    Not only that you inspired me of your immense faith and purest trust on Him, I also admired your strong determinations and wonderful deeds. You had asked Him of your needs and they were given to you, you seeked and He made sure you found, you knocked His door and sure enough He opened it to you, you also followed His precepts and He’s been providing you understanding and always at your side on every steps you made. You and your family are truly blessed in so many ways. May the Holy Spirit continues to guide you on all your undertakings. More blessings to you.

  • | April 1, 2017 at 2:00 am

    Very inspiring. Truly God will help us attain our dreams and desires if we acknowledge our need for Him….

  • | April 1, 2017 at 3:20 am

    What a very awesome and inspiring experience!!! A manifestation of God’s love for His people who have big and generous hearts. I love you, dear sister… To God be the glory!

  • | April 1, 2017 at 3:28 am

    ‘so touching! It melts my heart???

  • | April 1, 2017 at 10:56 pm

    What a nice article. God will always find a way for those who are humble. Great things will happen if you submit yourself to the Lord.

  • | April 1, 2017 at 10:57 pm

    Truly, God works in many wondrous ways. And when He gives His blessings for those who wait patiently, He will give it in abundance! Thank you for sharing your inspiring story Tess??

  • | April 1, 2017 at 11:07 pm

    It is really a revealing story that God works in everything we do. Sometimes, we maybe confused but God did it for us all for clarity. Thus, without having been closely aware of, that you are now where you are posted by God with a purpose. We might have our own direction, but God would redirect us as to where He would want us be.. Meaning, forgetting our advancement but staying His WiLL. HAPPY READING!

  • | April 1, 2017 at 11:19 pm

    Indeed the passage in the bible that says, “seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you”, is so true…

  • | April 2, 2017 at 9:31 am

    Very inspiring, thanks for sharing.

  • | April 5, 2017 at 3:40 pm

    PTL for this inspiring story. I know what the writer went through! I’m one of those the writer mentioned in this article! I praise the Lord for her kind heart. Surely, God is great. He led her to a new exciting position! May God grant her many opportunities to share her generosity and be a blessing wherever He places her. May Gid bless you, m
    MA’am Tess?

  • | April 10, 2017 at 9:17 pm

    Very inspiring, God works in myterious ways.

  • | June 19, 2017 at 12:50 am

    Praise God for His leading in your life. Through you He was able to pour out His blessings on you and your family. May you be ever willing to follow God’s still small voice.

  • | October 12, 2017 at 10:56 pm

    Hi it’s me, I am also visiting this site regularly, this website is actually good and the people are truly sharing good
    thoughts.

  • | November 12, 2017 at 10:07 am

    Hi there, after reading this amazing paragraph i
    am also cheerful to share my experience here with mates.

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