Over the Vesak weekend, Alex and myself put aside time to spend 4 days away from the girls with church in BATAM, a nearby island. We were released with a peace of mind per kindness of my parents who helped us take fort of the household. We went empty handed and empty hearted, but fully expected GOD to work in us.
The resort was GREAT. Very hospitable, good food, good facilities and excellent staff! Here's what we got out of it.... in summary, we found spiritual oneness and on top of it, we learnt that GOD is quite prompt in dealing with issues (be careful what you pray for!).
Day 1: We were challenged that Spiritual Harmony requires HARDWORK!! We are constantly in a current that is against the flow of MARITAL ONENESS. It's a battle out there. A battle not against flesh and blood but a battle against the principalities and forces of darkness. We are also reminded that because of the above reality, our marriage NEEDS God and we HAVE to invite and submit the marriage to GOD. I personally got reminded that the "Wife, submit to Husband" command it not a CHOICE but a COMMAND!!! Woah! An eye opener!
Day 2: We learnt that we have to live life by the Principles NOT precepts. We also have to know the difference between the two. Simple commands like "Love your Neighbour" has to be extended to our nearest neighbour, our spouses! When we fight, it is often unseen forces, the fault lines need to be dealt with and by doing so, we have to return to the fundamentals, the root cause of the problem. AND until we are ready to DIE to self, nothing happens, nothing changes. We stood on the promise of Jeremiah 33:1-9. "Call to me and I will answer you,..." The GREAT news is that this is not a wishy washy promise! The promise (vs 14) is already here, it's CHRIST JESUS and he's done all the work on the cross!
In the evening, we were reminded that GOD is Sorrowful that we are not in touch with him (the lost sheep). GOD is ALWAYS Searching to bring us back (the lost coin). GOD celebrates and finds Satisfaction in us coming back to Him (the lost son). How then do we prove our love for GOD? By serving him! We will stay fresh spiritually and we will allow GOD to put together synergy for His purpose.
Day 3: We were challenged with a paradigm shift: "We are actually returning to the UNREAL world". Just when we are sighing at the fact that we have to return to the 'real world' and leave the marital bliss behind in the resort. The life of worship and direct access to GOD is SUPPOSE to be the real world~the real stuff the bible talks about. We now just have to bring the 'realness' back into our present lives. Our Pastor reminded us that it is not just about the lubby-dubby stuff that builds the marriage. We can easily attend 'marriage enhancement courses' for those, it's really about our foundation in CHRIST Jesus! We have to build accountability, have a contented/grateful heart as well as work at growing in our Christian life. When we fail, we have to look up and realise that the victory has been won. The TRUE heroes are the ones who FALLS but pick him/herself up to walk on ('I get knock down, but I get up again..!').
After this weekend, we came away 'cleaner' and lighter as we exposed a lot of issues and had closure to some. We are still seeking GOD in our life direction, wanting to give it all for His glory and economy. Married life is a journey for all of us, those who attended and even those who didn't. We were blessed with a group mix of very loving, trusting and open couples who blessed us even as we sought to be blessing!
To all those who shared their lives, their struggles, we honour you and thank you for your openness. We give thanks to GOD for his work in you! Thanks to Chak, Judy, Wynn, Michelle, Raynard, Evelyn, Justin, SauLing of Group2. It was a blast to have had fellowship with you guys! Till our next 'food event', Stay blessed!
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