Called Worthy and Redeemed

by Benedict Chan

I grew up with four siblings, my parents, my grandma and a helper. So being the fourth out of five children, seeking attention and finding affection was thoughtlessly a big part of my life since I was young. I wanted to be close to my parents who were actively serving in church since they converted to the faith, so, like them, I tried to look to God. Yet I began to seek approval from God in a self-centered and prideful manner.

While my parents had devised good ways to ensure that all of us had individual time with them, they also poured money as an expression of their love for us. In the process, I grew up feeling like the makings of a business project that needed to yield returns. I remember being labelled as a late bloomer because I did not achieve what was expected of me initially. As a result, I started to make unconscious vows that I had to get everything right, or just do better and I began to fear making mistakes. 

I entered the School of Witness wanting to discover how I might serve God better; but He had other plans. On a trip at home, I had a difficult encounter with my Dad which left me feeling unworthy and helpless. At that moment, I became aware that my image of God had been highly shaped by my experiences with my dad. Unknowingly, I had come to view God as a merciless judge, scrupulously keeping track of my results. 

Providentially, I returned to the school, to a session on the love of God the Father. My cell group leader helped me to realise how I had been caught in a cat and mouse relationship with God. I knew God’s plan to be perfect; but I was afraid to mess it up. However, God revealed to me that He was actually a perfect Father who desired to shower me with love and remind me that I am first His child. He wanted to show me that I was already made good in Him and that nothing I do can take that away. He reassured me that even when I had made mistakes, His loving hand would still be with me and guide me. I did not need to hide in any achievements for him to be happy for me. At that moment, I knew I was home. 


More testimonies on the love of God the Father:


Now I am looking at life renewed! In recent interactions with my family, I have been able to recognise the negativity that I used to hold on to, but now I am able to fight it and know that I’m no less loved and worthy in my identity. Because of God’s revelation, I am strengthened to overcome the challenges originally brought about by these interactions.

I may not be able to change the situation but I know that God has renewed my eyes and heart to recognise His voice. Even when sufferings arise, I know now that God is working for my good, and he will not leave me in those times. Never again will I fall victim to the script that I am unworthy of love, for God is my rock and in him I am safely held. 

Now my friends, will you let God reveal himself and bring light in your lives, to remind you that you are loved, to be called worthy and his redeemed?


 

Related photo-reflections:

Share:

Read More

The One Thing Necessary
Gabriella Spykerman

Lent 2024: The Road to Calvary

Finding it difficult to enter into a prayerful disposition this Holy Week? Or undecided on how you wish to pray through it? Our Holy Week booklet is here to accompany

Read More »
The One Thing Necessary
Gabriella Spykerman

The One Thing Necessary: 5th Sunday of Lent

‘Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But, if it dies, it produces many seeds.’ (John 12:24) In this Sunday’s Gospel, we’re reminded of the reality of death. At first glance, we may be quick to think of the physical and natural aspect of death. Yet, the call of Christ also entails dying to self – surrendering the desires, the habits and lifestyles that prevent us from following and loving Him.

Read More »
The One Thing Necessary
Gabriella Spykerman

The One Thing Necessary: 4th Sunday of Lent

What’s wrong with the world? As we scroll through the headlines of wars and crimes happening today, this question may surface in our thoughts. It has also been pondered throughout human history, for the darkness in the world is not something unique to our time.

Read More »
The One Thing Necessary
Gabriella Spykerman

The One Thing Necessary: 3rd Sunday of Lent

If Jesus were to enter our churches today, what will He find? He would not find any cattle, sheep or doves, like in today’s gospel. But will He find our hearts noisy and distracted with our worldly concerns and thoughts? 

Read More »
On Key

Read More

Lent 2024: The Road to Calvary

Finding it difficult to enter into a prayerful disposition this Holy Week? Or undecided on how you wish to pray through it? Our Holy Week booklet is here to accompany

The One Thing Necessary: 5th Sunday of Lent

‘Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But, if it dies, it produces many seeds.’ (John 12:24) In this Sunday’s Gospel, we’re reminded of the reality of death. At first glance, we may be quick to think of the physical and natural aspect of death. Yet, the call of Christ also entails dying to self – surrendering the desires, the habits and lifestyles that prevent us from following and loving Him.

The One Thing Necessary: 4th Sunday of Lent

What’s wrong with the world? As we scroll through the headlines of wars and crimes happening today, this question may surface in our thoughts. It has also been pondered throughout human history, for the darkness in the world is not something unique to our time.