James 1:2-4, English Standard Version

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Throughout my recent trip to visit my homeland God blessed me with inspiration after inspiration. Before the trip, I asked God not to turn my trip into a mission work but keep it as a personal vacation – to rest and relax and enjoy the time with my family and friends whom I haven’t seen for a long time. Yet, the Lord still worked through me when needed, and I felt very touched when He did. When I came back and settled down, He then gave me an understanding that He did turn the trip to His mission, but the one who He had truly ministered to was me. O how undeserving I am for the grace and love God has given me!

Do I feel bad asking for a vacation? Not at all! I felt bad because I underestimated the grace and love the Lord has for me! He knows what I need and the desires I have, and He has my best in His mind even before I ask. Anyway, let me share another inspiration I had from this trip.

Hong Kong is an island which is surrounded by many smaller islands. This can provide very diverse sightseeing as you go from one to another. Because of that, one of our vacation days we took a ferry and sailed to an island which has a famous private cave. After the ferry docked at the pier, we were walking through streets and alleys for an hour, and we recognized we were not going in the right direction of the cave. Once we found the route and walked up and down the steep hills for another hour, I could not deny that I was out of shape. Even when I saw my husband try to go down into the tiny cave (he is 6.2 feet) and give up, or when I heard his beautiful compliment about the view, my thought kept going to how hard it would be to walk back to the pier. It was hard to keep my breath, and my legs were really sore.

Finally, as we were walking back on the road alongside the shore again, I recognized how easy it was for me on our way back. It was nothing like I thought it would be. Instead, it was very relaxing. I said to my girlfriend and my husband, “The chill I felt on the way up is gone. Maybe I burned all the calories I ate on the way and now it is easier to walk.” Hearing what I said, the Lord’s Spirit reminded me this is how He has prepared His servants. The hardship, difficulties, and challenges in our life are not intended to make us weary or give up. Instead, God uses challenges to prepare us to be overcomers and to stand in His victory. God’s word is true!

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11, ESV)

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10, ESV)

May we all take heed on His word.