Reflections as We Travel to the Philippines Today

Today, 17 July, we begin our trip to the Philippines together as a family. We are all excited!

As our trip schedule drew nearer, I admit my sleeping hours were getting shorter. I’m more glad to see Jewel (wife) and Jadyn (daughter) happy and excited than the trip itself because I was able to visit in January 2020.

Then we were set to go two years ago, but the COVID-19 lockdown caused all trips to be cancelled. NZ didn’t open until this year. Even then, the quarantine costs from both countries were expensive.

Finally, Departure-day has come. 🙂

I’ve reflected on our New Zealand journey in the past few days. As soon as we settled on our seats and the bus started rolling for Christchurch, I started writing my reflections.

The Lord establishes our steps

We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. (Proverbs 16:9).

True indeed. I had some initial plans when I came to New Zealand 11 years ago, but circumstances brought me back to my passion for the Lord’s work.

I learned that when you commit your life to what God has called you to do, He will find a way to make it happen. He establishes our steps, indeed.

In everything, there is a season

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: Ecclesiastes 3:1

Because the Lord God establishes our steps, it follows that He will lead us through many life’s seasons. Some seasons will be easy; others will be challenging, but it doesn’t matter.

I learned how to appreciate and acknowledge the hand of God in whatever season. Many doors have closed and opened to guide us along the way.

I am constantly reminded of Job’s reply to his wife when she told Job to curse God because of the trials that happened to them and their family – “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:9-10).

God things take time

Though challenging, the best season I went through was waiting patiently for the Lord.

There were times I felt impatient and desperate, but I learned from past experiences the hard consequences of getting ahead of God’s timing. So, I tarried, waited, and prayed.

As I mature in faith, I have learnt to wait patiently upon the Lord and trust His provisions and guidance. God things take time!

Closing thoughts

Our trip is a beautiful time to conclude a phase of our lives in New Zealand. At the same time, we needed a break, a refreshing time for all of us.

The Lord has ushered us into the next phase of His work in New Zealand. Tough challenges lay ahead for sure, but God is with us.

May the Lord’s travelling mercies be upon us all! To God be the glory!