update...

Yes, my sister asks for an update.. so she shall get one!

Now what have I been up to lately?

Had a chance to do an inductive BS with some OCFers on Monday. I honestly think I probably tortured them by asking them so many questions... Hmm... while I was glad I made them think, I wasn't too happy about the whole flow of how I conducted the study.. so there's plenty of room for improvement!

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Otherwise, have been thinking & wrestling more with the news of the recent death of the 17-year old son of Daniel & Suzanne Prak, missionaries in Cambodia. He went into a diabetic coma (first presentation of the illness) and went to be with the Lord after 4 weeks.

Reading the book of Job in the past few weeks have also raised those questions and issues. Why do good people suffer? And more specifically, why do the people who are the most faithful to God, seeking to serve him, the very ones who seem to have to suffer?

I didn't realise that the question had been niggling at the back of my head all this time, particularly since David first went to Cambodia & shared about another missionary couple whose child had some terminal illness. This recent incident with the Praks just brought it up to the fore.

Was encouraged by a letter from the Praks in response to all that has happened. In it they give thanks and praise to God, that for their prayers were answered. They prayed for complete healing for Andrew, and he's received it. Nothing can be better for Andrew than to be with his Maker.

I find that mind-boggling faith. I guess I know the answer intellectually. I know in my head that God is good, that He is trustworthy, that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, even though we don't understand it at times, and even if it comes at great suffering in this present life. But put in the same situation as the Praks, I don't know whether I'd be able to respond in that manner. To be able to have that kind of strength & deep trust in God. I just don't know whether that "knowledge" has passed from my head to my heart.

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On another note, I got invited by a friend at Seminary to preach at his father's church (his father was ill) this Sunday. It's a small congregation of about 30-40 people. Got a bit of a shock, and was struggling to get to a decision. Wasn't quite sure I was ready to be preaching at a formal church service yet.. Well, final verdict is that I'm not taking it up. Couldn't get to a decision by today, and he needed to get someone ASAP.

Phew.. on one hand, it's a sigh of relief. On another, I'm wondering whether I missed out on an opportunity? Oh well, there'd be more to come. Just not sure whether I'm quite ready yet at this stage.