All Things Work Together for Good

Prologue

On 16 August, my wife and I went to the bank to withdraw quite a big sum of money for my daughter's studies. We took special precautions and made sure that we were not being followed or marked by robbers. Before and after getting into the car, we still checked to see any suspicious people around us.

We were at eased that everything went on smoothly and we went to the school and picked up my son. We never realized that we were being targeted and followed. As three of us were about to enter the house, out of nowhere a white car stopped right beside us and two men jumped out of the car with parangs in their hands. One of them with the parang on my neck, started to search me for the money but I was worried about my family's safety. The other robber saw that my wife has thrown aside her bag and started searching. After finding the money that was put inside an envelope, both of them jumped into the car and went off with the driver. The whole incident happened just within two minutes, we were taken by surprise. At that moment we just failed to respond. Though I had tried to chase after them together with a police car that happened to pass by, but they had gone like the wind.

Lessons Learned

On Prey of the Enemy

"He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor. He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net. He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones." (Psalm 9:8-10).

We were told here that the evil doers always planned to catch their prey. If you have been aimed as their target, there is no way that you could escape. For they lay hold and wait for the best chance to catch their prey. The Apostle Peter warned us: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (I Peter 5:8). Beware! You may just be the next prey of Satan. Never assume that the devil will not fall you.

Human Responsibility

We surely believe in God's protection, but we have our human responsibility as well. We may puzzled at how we had been marked and how did the robbers know that we had large sum of money with us. After this incident, we must learn to be more careful and perhaps think of other method to transfer or remit fund. If we have not take enough measure to protect ourselves and our property, we are responsible and have ourselves to be blamed.

Never take God's Protection for granted

It was not the first time that I had withdrawn such a big sum of money from the same bank. Nevertheless, one must not take God's protection for granted. We should be thankful of God's protection in the past that nothing had happened except this time. Dearly beloved, if you have been enjoying peace, protection, good health and mercy from God, never take them for granted. Be thankful and be vigilant!

Christian Charity

When a few of our Church leaders and others who had heard about this incident. Knowing that my family needs this fund for education urgently, the church decided to make a special collection last Sunday. My family and I are truly touched by the generous giving of the two congregations. Besides, we have a few Christian friends who had given and others who made interest-free loan to us as well. Our hearts are truly warmed by this Christian charity.

A Test and an Opportunity

Personally, I see this incident that happened as a test for me and my family. The money taken away is hard earned saving for us (my daughter, my wife and myself). Karen has been longing to go for further studies, but now her dependence (saving) has gone. It thus gave her and my family an opportunity to learn not to put our trust in uncertain riches but trusting our Provider to provide.

It is also a test for genuine Christian concern and an opportunity for our brethren to show love not only in thoughts and words, but in action as well. "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth." (I John 3:18).

Words of Encouragement

We thank God that even a giver has written to encourage our hearts:

Kindness & Prayer

We would like to thank those who are kind enough to call and shown us their concern. Some had called to offer us more loans. We know that they are many out there who have been praying for our family. To me it is not just a personal crisis but it has become a spiritual exercise for many of us.

A Heartfelt Thank

My family and I would like to thank all of you who had helped and prayed for us. We see how God has marvelously provided us even through the giving of His people. We sincerely believe that God will repay your kindness and to reward you accordingly.

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Phil 4:19-20).

Affectionately,
Pastor David Wong.