The Sure foundation

And so as I promised, quite a while back (friends who are observant will notice I tweaked the dates again!) here's the post on my latest BSF lesson, Bible Study Fellowship, which I felt really impacted me and I hope somehow or another, this would be of use to some of you (:

Basically, the topic is on Sure Foundation and it covers the chapters 28-33 of Isaiah. I mean most of you here would know what I have been going through, having to retake A's, the things I have to sacrifice, the relationship I had to give up and so on. I have been doing alot of questioning, to myself, to God, to just about anybody who would hear me talk things out and I guess, finally, just maybe, I am actually getting my answer. BSF notes ( Anything in italics is from my notes and I hold absolutely no rights over them) started with this ' A sharp command to STOP and change direction is disconcerting, even irritating, whether it relates to turning around on an automobile trip or altering a lifestyle. But such a change of direction often saves lives... God was speaking through Him to save people and to transform them in His high, purposeful compassion.' This really made me pause and think because I really could recognize the huge change that was happening in my life. Having to instill discipline into my study plans, into the activities I choose to go for. You know when you are already so used to doing things as you want, it gets so incredibly frustrating when you need to exercise increased discipline in your life. In that sense, having read this introduction really got my attention, it was as if there was this banner waved right in from of my face declaring ' HELLO VANESSA, PLS DO NOT TAKE HEART IN THE TRIALS AND HARDSHIPS I'M PUTTING YOU THROUGH NOW. ITS ALL FOR YOUR TRANSFORMATION.' And while it is true, I do feel comforted in some sense, it is after all not that easy to stomach.

Following which, the notes talk about how 'God speaks against living in denial rather than delighting in God, living by convention rather than trusting God's compassion, living in rebellion rather than God's renewal, and living in disdain rather than worship of God and submission to God.' This was a huge slap to my face almost instantly because I knew I was guilty of not submitting to God. I mean I really do try but after a while I just forget about submitting because it really can be so much easier taking things into your own hands and you know dealing with it. Then this was continued by ' but He uses hardships to make His own children resilient and focused in faith... producing a harvest or righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.' This was an incredible revelation. It really embodied what I was going through at that very point, am going through it still in fact, but by simply knowing that God was there with me, and that he had a plan for me through this hardships, just made it alot better. Knowing that eventually I will be this perfect pottery ready to be used mightily be Him be it in my life or at the workplace, really does make my spirit feel better. Dearest Friends, Christian or not, just remember this, whatever hardships we go through right now is to really mould us into becoming men and women of God, men and women with amazing character ready to be testimonies for God. One thing for certain, whenever I feel demoralized next I will remember to claim on God's promise that He WILL produce a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. And, honestly, what more can we actually ask for? (:

Subsequently, we went onto Chapters 28:14-15, where it talks about Judah's falsehood. In the notes, it writes 'The place you look for help, strength and reassurance is a starting point for examining yourself. Do you require the security and comfort of social networking? Do you feel confident when you know your appearance is impressive or when you convince others you are intelligent and well informed? Are you relieve by affirmation? These are all false in the sense that they will not secure your destiny or truly define a character that pleases God.' And instantly I went uh oh, because, for ever question apart from the social networking one, I had a YES I DO attached to it. I know I am work in progress, but having been in a life where you usually always get what you want, grades inclusive, I really do seek security in that. Lots of it. It seems as if grades and marks, and basically how intelligent someone is is indeed the basis for self confidence, mine at least. I remembered how after having gotten back my A level results, all I wanted to do was to bury myself in a hole and live in recluse, if not for my good friends and the tung ling people, I think I would have done just that. I know that I'm improving right now? In the sense that I don't feel so ashamed, I am still quite ashamed actually, but its has reached a point where I am trying to look forward and beyond and focus on my end goal. I am still trying to accept the whole 'grades are important but it doesn't define you' mentality, but having been brought up in a competitive environment with constant comparison of results, and perhaps the elitist mentality, its rather hard trying to dissolve all that in just a few months.

And finally, the last few points, where in Isaiah 28:17- 29 it talks about God's protection within punishment. 'The point is that God's discipline of His people may be severe, but His purpose is not to destroy them. the last line in the Hebrew text is very strong. HE DOES NOT CRUSH IT.'  and in Isaiah 30:18_33 where it says 'Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the lord is a God of justice. Blessed are those who wait for Him.' and in Isaiah 33:1 -14 where it says 'He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.' And I instantly heave a sigh of relief because I can tell this is God's very own reminder for me that He will give me a way out, that He will provide, that even right now, when I am having such a hard time, He is constantly watching my back, reminding me that  all will be well because, I am in the middle of a molding process (:

Hello friends (: If you have managed to read till the end of the post I really salute you and thank you for your patience in reading how God has worked so mightily in my life. And of course I hope that through this process of reading what I have learnt, you would have picked up some points for yourself too (: And if any of you are interested to attend this BSF course, just let me know!